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DOCTRINES, 


CHRISTIAN  ADVICES 


AND 


RULES  OF  DISCIPLINE 


OF 


NEW    ENGLAND 


YEARLY  MEETING  OF  FRIENDS, 


FKINTED  BY  DIRECTION  OF  THE  MEETING. 


NEW   BEDFORD: 

E,  Antuo.w  &  Sons,  Printbiw. 

1872. 


N  3  A  ^ 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  first  notices  on  the  records  of  New  England  Yearly  Meeting, 
of  any  rules  of  Discipline  for  the  observance  of  its  members,  appear 
in  the  minutes  of  that  meeting  in  the  years  1708  and  1709. 

The  Discipline  then  adopted  consisted  of  twenty  Articles,  with  an 
Introduction,  declaring  it  to  be  the  duty  of  all  Friends  "  to  walii  in  the 
self-denying  way  of  Truth  in  all  humility  and  plainness,  having  regard 
to  the  early  testimonies  of  many  worthy  elders  against  pride,  cov- 
etousness,  and  superfluity  of  every  sort,"  quoting  1st  Peter  i.  14,  15; 
Rom.  xii.  2;  Phil.  iv.  8,  9.  And  the  quarterly  meetings  were  directed 
to  recommend  these  articles  to  the  monthly  meetings,  "  to  be  given  in 
charge  to  such  Friends  as  are  chosen  to  visit  families,  that  they  maj' 
see  that  Friends  live  up  to  Truth's  testimony,  in  these,  and  in  all  other 
respects." 

They  are  designated  as  "what  was  agreed  on  for  ye  better  regu- 
lating of  Friends  in  their  deportment,  and  apparel,  etc.,  at  our  Yearly 
Meeting  held  at  Newport  ye  Uth  4  [6]  mo.,  1708,  with  some  correc- 
tion at  our  Yearly  Meeting  for  business  held  at  Newport  on  Rhode 
Island  ye  13th  of  ye  4  [G]  mo.,  1709." 

In  1733,  the  subject  of  the  Discipline  was  again  before  the  meeting, 
and  in  1734  a  committee  was  appointed  "to  consider  said  minutes 
and  make  such  remarks  toward  alterations  as  they  may  thinlj  needful, 
and  return  the  same  to  our  next  Yearly  Meeting,  and  collect  what  they 
may  think  proper  from  the  minutes  of  Pennsylvania  Yearly  Meeting." 

In  1735,  the  committee  reported  "  that  some  of  the  minutes  of  Penn- 
sylvania Yearly  Meeting  may  be  profitably  introduced."  The  commit- 
tee refer  to  the  minutes  agreed  to  by  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1709,  and 
conclude  that  it  is  not  expedient  to  alter  these,  but  rather,  in  tender 
Christian  love,  to  recommend  their  observance. 

1736.  "  Our  friend  John  Ilammet  is  appointed  and  desired  to  tran- 
scribe the  whole  of  our  minutes  respecting  the  regulating  Friends  in 
their  church  government  or  discipline,  deportment,  etc.  —  that  is  to 
say  —  one  copy  for  each  monthly  meeting  belonging  to  this  Yearly 
Meeting,  and  our  friend  Clark  Rodman  as  treasurer  is  to  pay  for  the 
same." 

No  copy  of  this  collection  has  been  found. 

At  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1700,  a  committee  was  appointed  "to  revise 
and  collect  the  whole  of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  minutes  for  Discipline,  and 
also  to  peruse  the  English  book  of  Discipline,  and  also  that  of  Penn- 


2137a4 


IV 

sylvauia,  and  eitract  such  parts,  in  order  to  join  with  ours,  as  tliey 
shall  judge  necessary,  and  lay  the  whole  before  this  meeting  for  appro- 
bation." The  following  report  was  presented  to  the  same  meeting,  viz. : 
"  We,  your  committee  appointed  to  collect  and  revise  a  set  of  Rules 
for  Church  Discipline  throughout  this  Yearly  Meeting,  having  several 
times  met  and  considered  the  same,  do  report  that  the  Rules  of  our 
Friends  of  old  England  are  suitable  for  us  with  the  following  remarks." 
(Here  follow  nine  proposed  variations  from  the  English  Discipline.) 

"This  meeting  therefore  appoints  the  following  committee  to  agree 
with  some  suitable  person  or  persons,  to  transcribe  two  copies  more 
of  the  English  Book  of  Discipline,  one  for  each  quarterly  meeting,  to 
be  paid  out  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  stock,  and  see  that  the  several  para- 
graphs brought  in  by  the  committee  are  carefully  entered  under  their 
proper  heads.  And  this  meeting  recommends  to  each  quarterly  meet- 
ing, that  they  furnish  each  particular  of  their  monthly  meetings  with 
transcripts  of  the  same,  for  the  use  intended,  and  that  the  same  be  done 
as  soon  as  possible." 

1783.  "  The  matter  of  revising  the  Discipline  is  committed  to  the 
meeting  for  sufferings,  with  such  women  Friends  as  may  be  appointed 
by  the  women's  meeting,  to  report  their  progress  to  our  next  Yearly 
Meeting." 

1785.  "  The  meeting  for  sufferings  having  gone  through  the  revisal 
of  our  Discipline,  and  laid  a  digest  thereof  before  this  meeting  for  its 
disposal,  after  solidly  and  weightily  considering  thereon,  it  is  con- 
cluded to  commit  it  to  our  friends,  Edward  Shove  and  others,  who  are 
to  unite  with  the  meeting  for  sufferings  and  the  committee  the  women 
may  appoint,  to  consider  thereof,  and  make  alterations  and  amend- 
ments, if  any  may  appear  necessary,  and  report  to  an  adjournment  of 
this  meeting." 

At  a  subsequent  session,  the  same  year,  the  following  minute  was 
made,  viz. : 

"  The  committee  to  consider  of  the  Discipline  made  a  report  which  is 
to  the  satisfaction  of  this  meeting,  and  is  as  follows :  We,  your 
committee  respecting  the  proposed  Discipline,  have  met  with  the  mem- 
bers of  the  meeting  for  sufferings,  and  heard  it  read,  and  with  such 
alterations  as  are  now  made  are  easy  therewith,  and  submit  the  dis- 
posal thereof  to  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

"For  the  comanittee.  Paul  Greene. 

Catharine  Almy. 

"And  the  said  digest  as  it  now  stands  is  adopted  as  the  Rules  of  Dis- 
cipline for  this  Yearly  Meeting,  and  the  communicating  of  it  to  the 
quarterly  and  monthly  meetings  is  committed  to  the  care  and  oversight 
of  the  meeting  for  sufferings,  in  such  manner  as  may  appear  best." 

The  work  was  printed  the  same  year  under  the  title  of  "  The  Book 
of  Discipline  agreed  on  by  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  Friends  for  New 


England.  Containing  extracts  of  minutes,  conclusions,  and  advices  of 
that  meeting,  and  of  the  Yearly  Meetings  of  London,  Pennsylvania 
and  New  Jersey,  and  New  York,  from  their  first  institution.  Alpha- 
betically arranged.     Providence,  [in  small  quarto,]  1785." 

1807.  In  this  year,  twenty-two  years  after  the  publication  of  the 
first  printed  edition  of  the  Book  of  Discipline,  —  "  during  which  period 
the  new  regulations  which  had  taken  place  having  rendered  it  an 
imperfect  collection  of  the  rules  of  the  Society,  and  the  book  being 
out  of  print,  the  Yearly  Meeting  committed  the  revisal  of  our  Disci- 
pline to  the  meeting  for  sufferings,  and  that  meeting  having  with  care 
and  diligence  completed  and  laid  the  same  before  the  Yearly  Meeting 
in  the  sixth  month,  1800,"  — it  was  adopted  and  directed  to  be  printed. 
The  title  was  now  changed  to  "  Rules  of  Discipliue  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting  held  on  Rhode  Island  for  New  England.  Printed  by  direction 
of  the  meeting.  New  Bedford  :  Abraham  Shearman,  Jr.,  printer.  1809." 
Reprints,  With  the  same  title,  and  such  additions  as  had  been  dfrected 
by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  were  issued  in  182G,  ISiO,  1846,  and  185G. 

In  all  the  issues  of  the  Book  of  Discipline  to  this  time,  the  advices 
were  given  with  little  variation  from  the  original  phraseology,  and  the 
date  of  issue  was  appended  to  each  paragraph. 

18G8.  The  consideration  of  a  revision  of  our  Discipline  again  en- 
gaged the  attention  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  at  its  session  this  year,  and 
a  large  committee  of  men  and  women  Friends  were  appointed,  to  give 
the  subject  their  careful  attention,  and  report  such  changes  as  they 
might  think  proper  to  the  next  Yearly  Meeting. 

1871.  The  committee  having  been  continued  in  appointment  until 
this  year,  they  then  reported  as  follows,  viz. : 

"The  joint  committee  appointed  in  18G8  to  revise  the  Book  of  Dis- 
cipline have  given  careful  attention  to  the  subject,  which  involved 
much  time  and  labor;  a  different  arrangement  of  the  book  having  been 
early  agreed  upon  as  desirable. 

"A  statement  of  the  fundamental  belief  and  Doctrines  of  our  society 
is  first  introduced,  which  is  followed  by  Advices  on  Christian  Practice, 
embracing  in  substance  much  that  has  been  from  time  to  time  issued 
by  this  meeting.  The  Rules  which  have  appeared  necessary  in  tiie 
administration  of  the  Discipline  are  then  stated.  We  trust  the  sys- 
tem proposed  is  in  accordance  with  the  principles  which  have  ever 
been  maintained  by  our  religious  society,  and  that  it  is  founded  on  the 
doctrines  and  precepts  of  the  New  Testament. 

"An  earnest  desire  has,  we  believe,  been  prevalent  with  the  commit- 
tee to  seek  for  best  help  in  the  performance  of  tliis  important  duty, 
and  the  result  of  our  labors  is  now  submitted,  with  the  hope  that  it 
may  prove  satisfactory  to  Friends." 


VI 


The  Yearly  Meeting  directed  the  document  then  presented  and  read, 
to  be  referred  back  to  the  same  committee,  "  requesting  them  to  make 
such  changes  and  alterations,  as,  in  their  judgment,  may  be  important 
to  accomplish  the  concern  of  the  meeting;  and  to  cause  an  edition  of 
ilve  hundred  copies  to  be  printed  in  a  pamphlet  form,  and  sent  down 
to  our  monthly  meetings  for  distribution,  as  soon  as  practicable,  in 
order  that  all  Friends  may  have  an  opportunity  to  examine  the  work, 
and  make  any  suggestions  they  may  desire,  to  the  committee,  which 
they  are  encouraged  to  be  prompt  in  doing." 

1S72.  The  committee  on  the  Discipline  reported  as  follows  : 
"The  joint  committee  on  the  revision  of  the  Book  of  Discipline 
report,  that,  as  directed  at  our  last  Yearly  Meeting,  they  have  procured 
the  printing  of  five  hundred  copies  of  the  essay  presented  at  that  time, 
after  some  revision.  These  copies  were  distributed  in  the  usual  pro- 
portions among  Friends  in  the  several  quarterly  meetings,  with  a 
request  that  they  should  be  returned,  with  comments,  in  season  for 
further  consideration  by  the  committee,  previous  to  a  final  revision  and 
report.  The  work  now  presented  is  the  result  of  this  subsequent  ex- 
amination and  review,  and  is  submitted  to  the  disposal  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting." 

The  work,  as  then  submitted,  was  read  and  considered  during  four 
joint  sessions  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  was,  with  some  modifica- 
tions, adopted.  At  the  fifth  joint  session  the  following  minute  was 
made,  viz. : 

"  The  several  articles  which  have  been  adopted  by  this  meeting  have 
now  become  its  Discipline,  and  our  subordinate  meetings  are  directed 
to  be  governed  by  its  provisions,  when  official  copies  of  this  minute  are 
received  by  them,  and  also  copies  of  the  work." 

Four  Friends  were  appointed  "to  cause  an  edition  of  one  thousand 
copies  to  be  printed  in  good  plain  type,  and  to  furnish  all  our  subor* 
dinate  meetings  with  the  number  of  copies  required  for  their  \ise; 
the  remainder  of  the  edition  to  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  meeting,  to  be  sold  to  our  membei's  at  cost." 

In  accordance  with  this  direction  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  this  book 
has  been  printed. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.      CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE. 

Page. 

From  an  epistle  addressed  by  George  Fox  and  others  to  the  Gov- 
ernor of  Barbadoes,  1671 * 

From  a  Declaration  of  Christian  Doctrine  given  forth  by  the  Society 
of  Friends,    1693 4 

From  the  London  General  Epistle,  173G 8 

From  the  Testimony  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  on  the  Continent  of 
America ^ 

Of  the  Holy  Scriptures, H 


CHAPTER  II.      CHRISTIAN  PRACTICE. 

Meetings  for  "Worship, IG 

Private  Retirement  and  Prayer, 20 

Reading  the  Holy  Scriptures, 22 

On  Gifts  and  Services  for  the  Religious  Benefit  of  Others, 23 

On  Simplicity,  Moderation,  and  Self-Denial, 26 

Love  and  Unity,  Part  I, 29 

Part  II, 31 

Liberality  and  Benevolence, 32 

Advice  in  Relation  to  the  Ministry 34 

Education, 38 

Books, il 

Parents  and  Guardians, 42 

^  Counsel  to  the  Young, 45 

Advice  in  relation  to  Marriage, 49 

Advice  relating  to  Temporal  Affairs, 51 

Amusements  and  Recreations, 54 

On  the  right  occupation  of  the  First  Day  of  the  Week, 50 

War, S8 

Slavery  and  Oppression, 59 

Oaths, CO 

On  Civil  Government, CI 

National  Fasts  and  Rejoicings,  and  what  are  termed  Holy  Days,  .   .  63 

Burials  and  Mourning  Habits, 65 

Covetousncss,     CO 


CONTENTS.  VI 11 

CHArTER  III.      CHRISTIAN  mSCIPLINE. 

Introduction.    On  the  Origin  of  the   Christian  Discipline  estab- 
lished among  Friends, C7 

Meetings  for  Discipline, 71 

The  Yearlj' Meeting  — Its  History,  Design  and' Functions,  .   ...    75 

Regulations, 80 

Quarterly  Meetings, 82 

Monthly  Meetings, 85 

Delinquencies, 90 

Ministers, 94 

Elders, 97 

Memorials, 98 

Preparative  Meetings, 99 

General  Advices, 100 

Queries, 103 

Unanswered  Queries, 106 

Oversight, 106 

Ministers  and  Elders, 110 

Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders, Ill 

Queries  of  the  Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders, 113 

Representative  Meeting, 115 

Care   of  the  Poor, 117 

Regulations  Avith  regard  to  Marriage, 119 

Records,      , i23 

Removals, 126 

Difl'erences  and  Arbitrations 127 

Appeals, 130 

Trust  Property, 133 

Intoxicating  Liquors,  Tobacco,  &c., 135 

Defamation  and  Detraction, 136 


CHAPTER    I. 
CHEISTIAlSr    DOCTRWE. 


FROM  AN  EPISTLE  ADDRESSED  BY  GEORGE  FOX  AND  OTHERS, 
TO  THE  GOVERNOR  OF  BARBADOES,  1671. 

.  We  do  own  and  believe  in  God,  the  only  wise,  omnip- 
otent, and  everlasting  God,  who  is  the  creator  of  all 
things  both  in  heaven  and  in  the  earth,  and  the  preserver 
of  all  that  He  hath  made ;  who  is  God  over  all,  blessed 
forever;  to  whom  be  all  honor  and  glory,  dominion, 
praise,  and  thanksgiving,  both  noAV  and  forevermore  ! 
And  we  do  own  and  believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  his  beloved 
and  only  begotten  Sou,  in  whom  He  is  well  pleased ;  who 
was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  born  of  the  virgin 
Mary;  in  whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood, 
even  the  forgiveness  of  sins  ;  who  is  the  express  image  of 
the  invisible  God,  the  first-born  of  every  creature ;  by 
whom  were  all  things  created  that  are  in  heaven  and  that 
are  in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  they  be  thrones, 
or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers;  all  things  were 
created  by  Him.  And  we  do  own  and  believe  that  He 
was  made  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  who  knew  no  sin,  neither 
was  guile  found  in  his  mouth  ;  and  that  He  was  crucified 
for  us  in  the  flesh,  without  the  gates  of  Jerusalem ;  and 
that  He  was  buried,  and  rose  again  the  third  day  by  the 
power  of  his  Father,  for  our  justification ;  and  we  do  be- 
lieve that  He  ascended  up  into  heaven,  and  now  sittcth  at 
the  right  hand  of  God.  This  Jesus,  Avho  was  the  founda- 
tion of  the  holy  prophets  and  apostles,  is  our  foundation ; 


2  cimiSTiAN  DOCTRINE.  [Chap.  I. 

and  we  do  believe  that  there  is  no  other  foundation  to  be 
laid  but  that  which  is  laid,  even  Christ  Jesus  ;  who,  we 
believe,  tasted  death  for  every  man,  and  shed  his  blood 
for  all  men,  and  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  not 
for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world : 
according  as  John  the  Baptist  testified  of  Him,  when  he 
said,  "Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away  the 
sinof  the  world."  John,  1.29.  We  believe  that  He  alone 
is  our  Redeemer  and  Saviour,  even  the  Captain  of  our 
salvation,  (who  saves  us  from  sin,  as  well  as  from  hell 
and  the  wrath  to  come,  and  destroys  the  devil  and  his 
works,)  who  is  the  Seed  of  the  woman  that  bruises  the 
serpent's  head  ;  to  wit,  Christ  Jesus,  the  Alpha  and  Omega, 
the  first  and  the  last.  That  He  is  (as  the  Scriptures  of 
truth  say  of  Him)  our  wisdom  and  righteousness,  sancti- 
fication  and  redemption ;  neither  is  there  salvation  in  any 
other,  for  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven  given 
among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved.  It  is  He  alone 
who  is  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  our  souls  :  He  it  is 
who  is  our  Prophet,  whom  Moses  long  since  testified  of, 
saj'ing,  "  A  prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God  raise  up  unto 
you  of  3'our  brethren,  like  unto  me  ;  him  shall  ye  hear  in 
all  things  whatsoever  he  shall  say  unto  you  :  and  it  shall 
come  to  pass,  that  every  soul  which  will  not  hear  that 
prophet  shall  be  destroyed  from  among  the  people." 
Acts,  iii.  22,  23.  He  it  is  that  is  now  come  "and  hath 
given  us  an  understanding,  that  we  may  know  Him  that 
is  true."  And  He  rules  in  our  hearts  by  his  law  of  love 
and  of  life,  and  makes  us  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and 
death.  And  we  have  no  life  but  by  Him  ;  for  He  is  the 
quickening  spirit,  the  second  Adam,  the  Lord  from  heaven, 
by  whose  blood  we  are  cleansed,  and  our  consciences 
sprinkled  from  dead  works,  to  serve  the  living  God.  And 
He  is  our  mediator,  that  makes  peace  and  reconciliation 
betweep  God  oifended  and  us  offending;  He  being  the 


Chap,  i.]  EPISTLE    BY    GEO.    FOX,    &C.  S 

Oath  of  God,  the  new  covenant  of  light,  life,  grace,  and 
peace  ;  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith.  Now  this 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  heavenly  man,  the  Immanuel, 
God  with  us,  we  all  own  and  believe  in ;  Him  whom  the 
high  priest  raged  against,  and  said  he  had  spoken  blas- 
phemy ;  whom  the. priests  and  the  elders  of  the  Jews  took 
counsel  together  against,  and  put  to  death ;  the  same 
whom  Judas  betrayed  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  which 
the  priests  gave  him  as  a  reward  for  his  treason  ;  who  also 
gave  large  money  to  the  soldiers  to  broach  a  horrible  lie, 
namely,  that  his  disciples  came  and  stole  Him  away  by 
night  while  they  slept.  And  after  He  was  risen  from  the 
dead,  the  history  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  sets  forth 
how  the  chief  priests  and  elders  persecuted  the  disciples 
of  this  Jesus,  for  preaching  Christ  and  his  resurrection. 
This,  we  say,  is  that  Lord  Jesus  Ciirist,  whom  we  own  to 
be  our  life  and  salvation. 

And,  as  concerning  the  Holy  Scriptures,  we  do  believe 
that  they  were  given  forth  by  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God, 
through  the  holy  men  of  God,  who  (as  the  Scripture  it- 
self declares,  H  Pet.  i.  21,)  "  spake  as  they  were  moved 
by  the  Holy  Ghost."  We  believe  they  are  to  be  read, 
believed,  and  fulfilled,  (He  that  fulfils  them  is  Christ)  ; 
and  they  are  "profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  cor- 
rection, for  instruction  in  righteousness,  that  the  man  of 
God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good 
works,"  H  Tim.  iii.  16,  17  ;  and  are  able  to  make  wise 
"  unto  salvation,  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus." 
We  call  the  Holy  Scriptures,  as  Christ  and  the  apostles 
called  them,  and  holy  men  of  God  called  them  —  the 
words  of  God. 

We  do  declare,  that  we  do  esteem  it  a  duty  incumbent 
on  us  to  pray  with  and  for,  to  teach,  instruct,  and  admon- 
ish, those  in  and  belonging  to  our  families,  for  whom  an 
account  will  be  required  by  Him  who  comes  to  judge  both 


4  CHRISTIAN   DOCTRINE.  [Chap.  t. 

quick  and  dead,  at  the  great  day  of  judgment,  whea  every 
one  shall  be  rewarded  accor(Jing  to  the  deeds  done  in  the 
body,  whether  they  be  good  or  whether  they  be  evil ;  at 
that  day,  we  say,  of  the  resurrection,  both  of  the  good 
and  of  the  bad,  of  the  just  and  the  unjust,  "  when  the 
Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed  from  heaven  with  his  mighty 
angels,  in  ilaming  tire,  taking  vengeance  on  them  that  know 
not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ :  who  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting  destruction 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his 
power ;  when  He  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints, 
and  to  be  admired  in  all  them  that  believe  in  that  day." 
II  Thess.  i.  7-10.     See  also  II  Pet.  iii.  3,  &c. 


FROM     A     DECLARATION     OF     CHRISTIAN     DOCTRINE      GIVEN 
FORTH   BY    THE    SOCIETY    OF   FRIENDS,    1693. 

We  sincerely  profess  faith  in  God  by  his  only  begotten 
Son,  Jesus  Christ,  as  being  our  Light  and  Life,  our  only 
way  to  the  Father,  and  also  our  only  mediator  and  advo- 
cate with  the  Father. 

That  God  created  all  things ;  He  made  the  worlds,  by 
his  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  He  being  that  powerful  and  living 
Word  of  God,  by  whom  all  things  were  made ;  and  that 
the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  are  one,  in 
divine  being  inseparable ;  one  true,  living,  and  eternal 
God,  blessed  forever. 

Yet  that  this  Word,  or  Son  of  God,  in  the  fulness  of 
time,  took  flesh,  became  perfect  man  according  to  the 
flesh,  descended  and  came  of  the  seed  of  Abraham  and 
David ;  but  was  miraculously  conceived  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  born  of  the  virgin  Mary :  and  also,  further 
declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God,  with  power,  according 


Chap.  I.]  DECLARATION,    1693^  5 

to  the  spirit  of  holiness,  by  the  resurrection  from  the 
dead. 

That  in  the  Word,  or  Son  of  God,  was  life,  and  the 
same  life  was  the  light  of  men ;  and  that  He  was  that  true 
light  which  enlightens  every  man  coming  into  the  world  ; 
and  therefore  that  men  are  to  believe  in  the  light,  that 
they  may  become  the  children  of  the  light.  Hereby  we 
believe  in  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  as  He  is  the  light  and 
life  within  us ;  and  wherein  we  must  needs  have  sincere 
respect  and  honor  to  and  belief  in  Christ,  as  in  his  own 
unapproachable  and  inconijn-ehensible  glory  and  fulness; 
as  He  is  the  fountain  of  life  and  light,  and  giver  thereof 
unto  us ;  Christ,  as  in  Himself,  and  as  in  us,  being  not 
divided.  And  that,  as  man,  Christ  died  for  our  sins,  rose 
again,  and  was  received  up  into  glory,  in  the  heavens.  He 
having,  in  his  dying  for  all,  been  that  one  great  universal 
offering  and  sacrifice  for  peace,  atonement,  and  reconcili- 
ation, between  God  and  man ;  and  He  is  the  propitiation, 
not  for  our  sins  only,  but  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world. 

That  Jesus  Christ,  who  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
throne  of  the  Majesty  in  the  heavens,  is  yet  our  King, 
High  Priest,  and  Prophet;  in  his  church,  a  Minister  of 
the  sanctuary,  and  of  the  true  tabernacle  which  the  Lord 
pitched,  and  not  man.  He  is  Intercessor  and  Advocate 
with  the  Father  in  heaven,  and  there  appearing  in  the 
presence  of  God  for  us,  being  touched  with  the  feeling  of 
our  infirmities^  sufferings,  and  sorrows.  And  also  by  his 
Spirit  in  our  hearts.  He  maketh  intercession  according  to 
the  will  of  God,  cryiug,  Abba,  Father. 

That  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God  should  be  preached 
in  the  name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  being 
one  in  power,  wisdom,  and  goodness,  and  indivisible  (or 
not  to  be  divided)  in  the  great  work  of  man's  salvation. 

We  sincerely  confess  and  believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  both 
as  He  is  true  God  and  perfect  man,  and  that  He  is  the 


6  crmtSTiAN  doctrine.  [Chap.  1. 

author  of  our  living  faith  in  the  power  and  goodness  of 
God,  as  manifested  in  his  Sou  Jesus  Christ,  and  by  his 
own  blessed  Spirit  (or  divine  unction)  revealed  in  us, 
■whereby  we  inwardly  feel  and  taste  of  his  goodness,  life, 
and  virtue,  so  as  our  souls  live  and  prosper  by  and  in 
Ilim  :  and  the  inward  sense  of  this  divine  power  of  Christ, 
and  faith  in  the  same,  and  the  inward  experience,  are  ab- 
solutely necessary  to  make  a  true,  sincere  and  perfect 
Christian  in  spirit  and  life. 

That  divine  honor  and  worship  is  due  to  the  Son  of 
God ;  and  that  He  is,  in  true  faith,  to  be  prayed  unto, 
and  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  called  upon,  (as 
the  primitive  Christians  did,)  because  of  the  glorious 
union  or  oneness  of  the  Father  and  the  Sou,  and  that  we 
cannot  acceptably  offer  up  prayers  and  praises  to  God, 
nor  receive  a  gracious  answer  or  blessing  from  God,  but 
in  and  through  his  dear  Son. 

Concerning  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  and  the  great 
day  of  judgment  yet  to  come,  beyond  the  grave,  or  after 
death,  and  Christ's  coming  without  us,  to  judge  the  quick 
and  the  dead ;  what  the  Holy  Scriptures  plainly  declare 
and  testify  in  these  matters,  we  have  been  always  ready 
to  embrace. 

1.  For  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection  :  "If  in  this 
life  only  we  have  hope  in  Christ,  we  are  of  all  men  most 
miserable."  I  Cor.  xv.  19.  We  sincerely  believe,  not 
only  a  resurrection  in  Christ  from  the  falleji,  sinful  state 
here,  but  a  rising  and  ascending  into  glory  with  Him 
hereafter ;  that  when  He  at  last  appears,  we  may  appear 
with  Him  in  glory ;  Col.  iii.  4 ;  I  John,  iii.  2  ;  but  that 
all  the  wicked  who  live  in  rebellion  against  the  light  of 
grace,  and  die  finally  impenitent,  shall  come  forth  to  the 
resurrection  of  condemnation  ;  and  that  the  soul  or  spirit 
of  every  man  and  woman  shall  be  reserved  in  its  own 
distinct  and  proper  being,  and  every  seed,  yea  every  soul, 


Chap.  I.]    DECLARATION   OF   CHRISTIAN   DOCTRINE.  7 

shall  have  its  proper  body,  as  God  is  pleased  to  give  it. 
I  Cor.  XV.  A  natural  body  is  sown,  a  spiritual  body  is 
raised  :  that  being  first  which  is  natural,  and  afterward 
that  which  is  spiritual.  And  though  it  is  said,  this  cor- 
ruptible shall  put  on  incorruptiou,  and  this  mortal  shall 
put  on  immortality,  the  change  shall  be  such  as  will  accord 
with  the  declaration,  "  flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit  the 
kingdom  of  Go.d,  neither  doth  corruption  inherit  incor- 
ruptiou." I  Cor.  XV.  50.  We  shall  be  raised  out  of  all 
corruption  and  corruptibility,  out  of  all  mortality ;  and 
the  children  of  God  and  of  the  resurrection  shall  be  equal 
to  the  angels  of  God  in  heaven.  As  celestial  bodies  do 
far  excel  terrestrial,  so  we  expect  our  spiritual  bodies  in 
the  resurrection  shall  far  excel  what  our  bodies  now  are. 
Howbeit  we  esteem  it  very  unnecessary  to  dispute  or 
question  how  the  dead  are  raised,  or  with  what  body  they 
come  :  but  rather  submit  that  to  the  wisdom  and  pleasure 
of  Almighty  God. 

2.  For  the  doctrine  of  the  eternal  judgment:  God 
hath  committed  all  judgment  unto  his  Son  Jesus  Christ ; 
and  He  is  judge  both  of  the  quick  and  the  dead,  and  of 
the  states  and  ends  of  all  mankind.  John,  v.  22,  27  ; 
Acts,  x.  42  ;  II  Tim.  iv.  1 ;  I  Pet.  iv.  5. 

That  there  shall  be  hereafter  a  great  harvest,  which  is 
the  end  of  the  world,  a  great  day  of  judgment,  and  the 
judgment  of  that  great  day,  the  Holy  Scripture  is  clear. 
Matt.  X.  15  ;  xiii.  39,  40,  41 ;  Jude,  6.  "  When  the  Son 
of  iSIan  shall  come  in  his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels 
Avith  him,  then  shall  he  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  glory ; 
and  before  him  shall  ho  gathered  all  nations,"  &c.  Matt. 
XXV.  31,  32,  to  the  end,  compared  with  Luke,  ix.  2G, 
and  I  Cor.  xv.  52  ;  I  Thess.  iv.  IG,  and  II  Thcss.  i.  7,  8, 
to  the  end;  Kcv.  xx.  12,  13,  14,  15. 


8  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE.  [Chap.  I. 

These  declarations,  which  are  in  accordance  with 
the  testimony  of  the  approved  writings  of  Friends 
both  ancient  and  modern,  were  published  in  the 
early  days  of  our  religious  Societ}^,  as  setting  forth 
its  faith  then,  on  these  momentous  points.  They 
have  been  officially  confirmed  and  sanctioned  by, 
23erhaps,  every  generation  of  our  members  since, 
and  they  declare  the  faith  of  Friends  now. 


FROM   THE   LONDON   GENERAL   EPISTLE,    1736. 

And,  dear  Friends,  in  order  that,  as  we  have  received 
Christ,  so  we  may  walk  in  Him,  in  all  holiness  and  godli- 
ness of  conversation,  we  earnestly  exhort  that  ye  hold  fast 
the  profession  of  the  faith  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  with- 
out wavering ;  both  in  respect  to  his  outward  coming  in 
the  flesh,  his  sufferings,  death,  resurrection,  ascension, 
mediation,  and  intercession  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
Father ;  and  to  the  inward  manifestation  of  his  grace  and 
Holy  Spirit  in  our  hearts,  powerfully  working  in  the  soul 
of  man,  to  the  subduing  of  every  evil  aff'ectiou  and  lust, 
and  to  the  purifying  of  our  consciences  from  dead  works, 
to  serve  the  living  God ;  and  that,  through  the  virtue  and 
efficacy  of  this  most  holy  faith,  ye  may  become  strono*  in 
the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might. 


Chap.  I.]  TESTDiONY,  1830.  9 

FROM    THE    TESTIMONY    OF    THE    SOCIETY    OF    FRIENDS   ON 
THE    CONTINENT    OF    AMERICA.* 

The  article  of  belief,  which  stands  foremost  in  its  nature 
and  importance,  and  that  which  is  the  foundation  of  all 
others,  is  the  being  of  one  God,  —  infinite  in  all  His  at- 
tributes, and  existing  in  His  own  divine  perfections,  "from 
everlasting  to  everlasting."  This  one,  true,  eternal,  and 
incomprehensible  God,  created  and  still  upholds  "all 
things  by  the  "Word  of  his  power."  In  his  infinite  good- 
ness. He  has  been  pleased  to  reveal  to  mankind  a  knowl- 
edge of  Himself  and  of  the  means  of  acceptance  with 
Him,  so  far  as,  in  his  wisdorn.  He  saw  to  be  fit,  and  suited 
to  the  condition  of  the  human  mind. 

From  these  revelations  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  proceeded 
the  Scriptures  of  Truth,  which  were  written  by  "holy 
men  of  God  "  "  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost "  ; 
and  by  the  operations  of  the  same  Spirit,  He  still  influ- 
ences the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men  to  practical  right- 
eousness, and  to  a  belief  in  harmonious  accordance  with  the 
testimony  of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

The  Society  of  Friends  has  declared,  both  by  the  con- 
current testimony  of  many  of  its  most  eminent  members, 
and  in  a  collective  capacity,  its  firm  belief  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  as  the  /Saviour  of  men ;  that  he  was  con- 
ceived by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  virgin  Mary,  — 
that  He  wrought  miracles  in  the  land  of  Judea,  was  hated 
and  rejected  by  the  chief  priests  and  people  of  the  Jews, 
betrayed  by  Judas,  and  crucified  under  Pontius  Pilate  ; 
that  He  rose  from  the  dead  the  third  day,  appeared  to  his 
disciples,  and  ascended  to  heaven,  and  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  us ;  that  He  is  now  come  in  Spirit,  and 
hath  given  us  an  understanding,  being   our  Prophet  and 

*  iBBUcd  by  a  General  Committee  appointed  by  tlic  several  Yearly  Meetings  of 
Friends  on  the  American  Continent.    Philadelphia,  1830. 
B 


10  CHRISTIAN   DOCTKINE.  [Chap.  I. 

High  Priest,  and  head  over  all  things  to  his  church ;  by 
■wlioni  also  God  Avill  judge  the  world  in  righteousness, 
whereof  he  hath  given  assurance  unto  all  men,  in  that  He 
hath  raised  Him  from  the  dead.  This  we  say  is  that  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  whom  we  own  to  bo  our  life  and  salvation. 

The  doctrine  of  the  light  of  Christ  in  the  hearts  of  men, 
taken  in  connection  with  the  other  fundamental  doctrines 
of  the  Gospel,  has  been  held  by  the  Society  from  its  first 
being  gathered  to  be  a  people  to  the  present  time.  But 
it  ought  to  be  remembered  that  it  is  to  be  carefully  distin- 
guished from  every  other  influence  which  actuates  the 
human  mind.  Man  being  endowed  with  rational  faculties, 
and  moreover  subject  to  be  operated  upon  by  the  prince 
of  the  power  of  the  air,  the  spirit  that  now  rules  in  the 
hearts  of  the  children  of  disobedience,  the  admonition  of 
the  apostle  is  of  peculiar  importance  :  "  Believe  not  every 
spirit,  but  try  the  spirits  whether  they  are  of  God."  I 
John,  iv.  1. 

"We  profess,  and  firmly  believe  that  this  light  of  Christ 
in  the  heart  is  an  unerring  guide,  and  the  primary  rule  of 
faith  and  practice ;  that  it  is  the  only  medium  through 
which  we  can  truly  and  livingly  attain  to  the  knowledge 
of  God,  and  the  mysteries  of  the  heavenly  kingdom. 

That  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  must  be  sensibly 
experienced,  in  order  to  be  availing  to  us,  is  evident  in 
the  very  nature  of  divine  things.  It  is  this  which  pro- 
duces all  heavenly  afiections  and  feelings  on  the  obedient 
mind,  which  opens  the  understanding  and  gives  it  a  right 
perception,  and  is  in  us  an  operative  power,  by  which  we 
are  enabled  to  resist  temptation,  and  walk  in  obedience  to 
the  law  of  God.  By  his  powerful  operations  we  are 
washed  and  sanctified  and  justified  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  for  it  is  "  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God."  I  Cor. 
vi.  11.  We  desire  to  press  the  importance  of  this  doc- 
trine, and  to  guard  it  against  innovations.     Nor  can  a 


Chap.  I.]  TESTIMONY,    1830.  11 

right  belief  iu  the  Holy  Spirit  and  his  influences  and  op- 
erations upon  the  human  mind  as  the  primary  source  of 
divine  knowledge  in  us,  and  the  immediate  operative 
power  in  the  work  of  sanctification  and  complete  redemp- 
tion, detract  from  the  value  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  For 
as  we  believe  that  they  certainly  proceeded  from  the  same 
Spirit,  so  we  believe  that  w^hatever  is  contrary  to  their 
testimony,  in  faith  or  practice,  must  be  a  delusion,  and  in 
opposition  to  the  immediate  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

We  have  ever  believed,  and  as  constantly  maintained, 
the  truth  of  that  great  and  mysterious  doctrine  that  "  there 
are  three  that  bear  record  in  heaven,  the  Father,  the 
Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  these  Three  are  One," — 
one  God,  infinite,  eternal,  and  incomprehensible,  and 
blessed  forevermore. 

The  fallen  condition  of  man,  as  he  stands  in  a  state  of 
nature,  is  a  doctrine  held  forth  in  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
and  is  of  great  importance  in  its  application  to  ourselves, 
as  well  as  in  its  intimate  connection  with  the  doctrine  of 
redemption  by  Jesus  Christ. 

Man  w^as  originally  created  in  the  divine  image.  "  In 
the  image  of  God  created  he  him,"  "  crowned  him  with 
glory  and  honor,"  and  set  him  over  the  works  of  his  hands. 
But  by  transgression  he  fell  from  this  exalted  condition, 
incurred  the  penalty  of  death,  and  so  lost  the  divine 
image,  —  the  wisdom,  purity,  and  power  iu  which  he  was 
made.  This  lapse  of  our  prime  ancestors  not  only  imme- 
diately afiected  the  actual  transgressors,  but  remotely  all 
their  posterity.  The  Society  of  Friends,  in  declaring  its 
belief  of  the  extension  of  the  cflects  of  Adam's  fall  to 
all  his  posterity,  has  been  careful  to  distinguish  between 
those  efiects,  as  they  apply  to  us,  simply  in  a  state  of 
nature,  or  as  the  posterity  of  Adam  in  his  fallen  state, 
and  the  fjuilt  or  sin  which  attaches  to  us  in  consequence 
of  our  own  actual  transffrcesion. 


12  CHRlS'tlAN   DOCTRINE.  [Chap.  1. 

Ill  taking  a  view  of  the  original  and  present  condition 
of  man,  at  iirst  in  the  divine  image,  and  afterwards  fjillen, 
degenerate,  and  dead,  we  are  to  consider  him  composed, 
in  part,  of  an  immortal  soul,  which  must  eternally  exist 
in  a.  state  either  of  happiness  or  misery.  Thus  the  doc- 
trine of  the  resurrection,  both  of  the  just  and  the  unjust, 
of  future  judgment,  of  rewards  and  punishments,  and  the 
realities  of  heaven  and  hell,  is  inseparably  connected  with 
the  belief  of  the  attributes  of  God,  and  the  immortality 
of  the  soul. 

And  hence  the  consequence  of  sin,  and  of  alienation 
from  God,  not  being  confined  to  the  present  state  of  ex- 
istence, but  of  eternal  duration,  the  redemption  of  man 
becomes  one  of  the  most  awful,  humbling,  and  exalted 
subjects  which  can  possibly  engage  the  attention  of  the 
human  mind.  The  depth  of  darkness  into  which  we  have 
been  plunged,  the  awfulness  of  the  consequences  attendant 
on  that  state,  the  riches  of  the  love  of  God,  displayed  in 
the  redemption  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  height  of  happi- 
ness and  glory  to  which  we  may  be  raised  through  that 
redemption,  combine  not  only  to  recommend  this  doctrine 
to  our  frequent  meditation,  but  to  clothe  the  mind  with 
the  most  humbling  feelings,  and  to  inspire  it  with  the 
most  animating  hoj)es. 

From  a  careful  consideration  of  the  doctrines  of  the 
Christian  religion,  it  will  be  seen  that  there  is  an  intimate 
connection  of  all  its  parts,  and  a  dependence  of  the  whole 
on  Jesus  Christ,  in  his  blessed  offices,  as  the  everlastinir 
Foundation.  It  was  on  his  coming,  and  what  He  did  for 
us  without  us,  that  the  previous  forms  of  devotion  were 
abrogated,  and  a  worship  introduced,  at  once  simple  and 
sublime ;  in  which,  in  humble  waiting  upon  God,  we  may, 
as  said  the  apostle,  "come  boldly  to  the  throne  of  grace," 
and  hold  communion  with  the  Father  of  mercies,  the  God 
of  all  consolation. 


Chap.'!.]  TESTIMONY,    1830.  13 

It  was  He,  who,  having  been  crucified,  raised  from  the 
dead,  and  exalted  by  the  right  hand  of  God,  shed  forth 
the  Holy  Spirit,  by  virtue  of  which  both  sons  and  daugh- 
ters were  to  prophesy.  And  those  whom  He  was  pleased 
to  call  and  qualify  for  the  ministry,  being  ambassadors  for 
Him,  boldly  declared  the  necessity  of  faith  in  Christ,  and 
of  obedience  to  his  divine  precepts.  And  in  the  exercise 
of  their  gifts  they  were  instructed  to  depend  on  Him,  to 
be  to  them  mouth  and  wisdom,  tongue  and  utterance. 

By  his  own  regenerating  power,  He  leads  the  soul 
through  those  cleansing  operations  which  were  repre- 
sented by  outward  baptism,  and  which  consist  not  in  "  the 
putting  away  of  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a 
good  conscience  towards  God,  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus 
Christ"  I  Peter,  iii.  21.  And  in  the  participation  of 
the  divine  nature,  and  through  that  faith  which  applies 
and  seals  the  eflicacy  of  his  propitiation,  we  enjoy  the 
communion  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ. 

He  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light  through  the 
gospel,  and  pointed  the  minds  of  the  humble  believers  in 
Him  to  a  mansion  of  rest,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

He  more  clearly  revealed  the  relations  we  hold  to  God, 
and  to  one  another,  than  had  been  made  known  under  the 
previous  dispensation.  The  nature  of  his  peaceful  reign, 
and  the  social  virtues  characteristic  of  his  kingdom  upon 
earth,  Avhich  had  been  set  forth  before,  in  the  sublime  and 
figurative  language  of  j^rophecy.  He  brought  down,  in 
his  own  divine  precepts,  to  the  comprehension  of  the 
humblest  understanding.  He  commanded  us  to  love  our 
enemies  —  to  do  good  for  evil,  and,  as  a  universal  rule  of 
action,  to  do  to  others  as  wc  would  they  should  do  unto 
us.  Thus  the  axe  was  laid  to  the  very  root  of  the  princi- 
ples of  war,  retaliation,  and  revenge,  and  all  the  various 
grades  of  wrong,  oppression,  and  injustice,  among  men. 
And  by  his  Spirit  in  our  hearts.  He  inspires  us  with  those 


14  CHRISTIAN   DOCTRINE.  [Ckap.  I. 

heavenly  affectious  and  feelings,  and  that  universal  benev- 
olence, in  which  man,  in  every  situation,  is  the  friend  of 
man  —  and,  in  the  prevalence  of  which,  violence  no  more 
would  be  heard  in  the  land,  wasting  nor  destruction  with- 
in our  borders  ;  and  a  practical  illustration  would  be  given 
of  the  anthem  of  the  heavenly  host ;  "  Glory  to  God  in 
the  highest ;  and  on  earth,  peace,  good  will  toward  men." 


OF   THE    HOLY   SCRIPTURES. 

We  esteem  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testament  as  the  authentic  testimony  of  the  Spirit,  di- 
vinely preserved ;  as  the  abiding  record  of  the  Truth  of 
God  ;  "jDrofitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction, 
for  instruction  in  righteousness,"  and  able  to  make  "  wise 
unto  salvation,  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus." 
As  we  do  therefore  believe  that  these  Scriptures  were 
given  by  inspiration  of  God,  the  declarations  contained  in 
them  rest  on  the  authority  of  God  Himself,  and  there  can 
be  no  appeal  from  them  to  any  other  authority  whatsoever ; 
that  they  are  the  only  divinely  authorized  record  of  the 
doctrines  which  we  are  bound  as  Christians  to  believe, 
and  of  the  moral  principles  which  are  to  regulate  our 
actions ;  that  no  doctrine  which  is  not  contained  in  them 
can  be  required  to  be  believed  as  an  article  of  faith ;  and 
that,  whatsoever  any  say,  or  do,  which  is  contrary  to  the 
Scriptures,  though  they  profess  the  guidance  of  the  Spirit, 
it  must  be  accounted  a  delusion.  The  great  end  of  the 
Old  Testament  Scriptures  is  to  testify  of  Christ,  for  "  to 
Him  give  all  the  prophets  witness  : "  and  we  accept  the 
writings  of  the  New  Testament,  as  the  record  which  God 
hath  given  us  of  his  Son ;  and  believe  that  their  main 
purpose  is,  under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to 
bring  us  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


Chap.  I.]  OF   THE    HOLY   SCRIPTURES.  15 

As  these  inestimable  writings  were  given  forth  by  the 
Spirit,  so  a  true  understanding  of  the  divine  will,  and 
spiritual  meaning  of  the  application  of  Holy  Scripture, 
cannot  be  discerned  by  the  natural,  but  only  by  the 
spiritual  man.  It  is  therefore,  by  the  assistance  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  that  they  are  read  with  instruction  and  com- 
fort. 


CIIAPTEK   II. 
CIIRISTIAl^  PRACTICE, 


SECTION    1  —  MEETINGS   FOR   WORSHIP. 

The  upholding  of  meetings  for  the  public  worship  of 
Almighty  God  is  not  only  a  high  privilege,  but  a  solemn 
duty,  for  which  we  are  responsible  to  Him  who  hath  called 
us  ;  and  Friends  are  affectionately  and  earnestly  advised, 
duly  to  attend  all  our  meetings  held  for  that  purpose,  and 
not  to  allow  any  slight  excuse  or  engagement  in  their  tem- 
poral concerns  to  occasion  their  absence  therefrom,  or 
that  of  their  children  or  those  under  their  care.  And, 
when  assembled.  Friends  should  be  diligent  in  waiting 
upon  the  Lord,  with  fervent  desires  for  the  quickening 
influence-  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  enlighten  the  soul  to  a 
true  sense  of  its  condition ;  to  enable  it  acceptably  to 
approach  the  Throne  of  Grace ;  to  be  favored  with  the 
enjoyment  of  his  life-giving  presence  ;  and  to  be  preserved 
from  wandering  thoughts  and  from  a  lukew^arm  and  drowsy 
state.  Their  deportment  should  be  such  as  will  demon- 
strate that  they  are  in  earnest,  in  the  great  duty  of  waiting 
upon  and  worshiping  God  in  spirit.  Thus  would  serious 
and  tender  hearted  inquirers  be  encouraged  to  come  and 
partake,  in  our  solemn  assemblies,  of  that  inward  and 
spiritual  instruction  and  refreshment  which  is,  at  times, 
imparted  to  the  souls  of  such  as  are  humbled  before  the 
Lord,  and  approach  his  holy  presence  with  reverence  and 
fear. 

Let  not  the  smallness  of  your  numbers  discourage  you 


Chap,  n.]  MEETINGS   FOR  WORSHIP.  17 

from  constantly  attending  meetings,  inasmuch  as  the 
words  of  Christ  remain  unchangeably  true  and  steadfast, 
"Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my  name, 
there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them."  But,  it  has  been  justly 
observed,  that,  where  remissness  and  neglect  of  attending 
meetings  for  worship  have  prevailed,  it  has  often  proved 
an  inlet  to  further  declension,  and  such  other  liberties  as 
the  Truth  by  no  means  admits*  of.  Neither  let  your 
meetings  be  neglected  because  they  are  sometimes  held  in 
silence,  for,  as  you  are  engaged  to  wait  reverently  upon 
the  Lord,  the  hungry  seeking  for  bread,  and  the  thirsty 
for  the  water  of  life,  3'ou  will  receive  spiritual  refreshment, 
your  strength  will  be  renewed,  and  you  will  witness  Him 
to  be  your  sufficient  help. 

As  the  constant  attendance  of  meetinsfs  for  divine  wor- 
ship  constitutes  an  important  element  in  the  religious  ed- 
ucation of  our  youth,  we  advise  Friends  to  encourage 
their  children  in  a  seasonable  and  orderly  frequenting,  as 
well  of  week-day  as  of  first-day  meetings ;  and  we  would 
also  recommend  to  those  having  apprentices  or  others 
under  their  care,  to  extend  kind  attention  to  them,  and 
make  such  domestic  arrangements  as  may  enable  them  to 
attend  public  worship  duly  and  punctually;  and  when 
Friends  live  distant  from  meetings  we  would  remind  them 
to  hold  meetings  in  their  fomilies,  there  to  wait  upon  God, 
that  their  hearts  may  be  brought  under  the  awakening, 
regenerating  power  of  his  spirit,  that  so  his  blessing  may 
rest  upon  them. 

Seasonable  preparation  and  punctual  attendance,  at  the 
hour  appointed  for  public  worship,  are  of  no  small  im- 
portance. If  we  hurry  away  from  our  outward  occu- 
pations to  the  mccting-house,  we  are  in  great  danger  of 
having  our  thoughts  employed  on  that  in  which  we  have 
])een  engaged,  and,  if  late,  of  interrupting  that  holy  si- 
lence which,  it  is  believed,  would  often  prevail  if  all  the 
c 


18  CHRISTIAN  rRACTicE.  [Chap.  II. 

meml)ci-s  oi'  a  meeting  wore  [issemblcd,  not  only  in  one 
place,  but  at  one  time,  with  one  and  the  same  great  object 
in  view. 

And  as  our  religious  meetings  are  to  be  attended  for 
the  worship  and   honor   of  Almighty  God,  wherein  we 
place  ourselves  more  immediately  in  his  presence,  may  a 
reverent   sense    of    our    responsibility   keep   ns    humbly 
watchful  before  Ilim.     As  this  holy  care  and  waiting  are 
maintained  a  drowsy  and  listless-  state  will  be  avoided. 
Should  any  be  overtaken  by  drowsiness,  we  entreat  them 
to  seek  earnestly  by  prayer  in  faith  to  be  preserved  from 
thus  dishonoring  God  and  his  cause.     And  if  any  of  our 
members  fall  into  the  practice  of  sleeping  in  our  meetings, 
may  they  be  tenderly  treated  with  for  their  recovery.     If 
they  have  occupied  seats  facing  the  meeting,  whether  min- 
isters, elders,  or  others,  such  are  advised  to  withdraw  to 
a  position  less  conspicuous  in  the  meeting  until  they  are 
sensible   of  an   overcoming.      Where    such   weakness   is 
apparent  in  any  of  our  meetings,  may  all  the  living  mem- 
bers lay  it  seriously  to  heart,  that  a  united  concern  and 
labor  be  witnessed  therein  for  the  arising  of  the  spring  of 
divine  life  among  them,  that  so  a  prevalence  of  life  in  the 
body  may  preserve  all  its  members  from  thus  bringing 
reproach  upon  the  name  of  Christ. 

May  none  yield  to  the  idea  that  there  can  be  worship  in 
any  prescribed  system  of  observances,  apart  from  the 
ministrations  of  the  Lord's  Spirit,  or  conclude  that  there 
can  be  no  true  worship,  even  where  the  immediate  opera- 
tions of  his  spirit  are  enjoyed,  without  the  accompaniment 
of  outward  teaching  or  services.  And,  when  assembled 
in  our  religious  meetings,  may  none  rest  in  a  vacant  still- 
ness or  indolent  musing,  or  in  thoughts  wandering  upon 
earthly  things.  May  all  seriously  remember  that  the  ob- 
ject of  thus  assembling  is  the  worship  of  the  infinite,  all- 
seeing,  and  ever  present  God,  and  that  it  is  through  the 


Chap.  II.  J  MEETINGS    FOR   WORSHIP.  19 

mediatiou  of  Him,  who  died  for  his  people  to  save  them 
from  their  sins,  and  who  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession 
for  them,  without  the  necessity  of  any  inferior  instrumen- 
talities, that  the  Father  is  to  be  approached  and  reverently 
worshipped.  The  Lord  Jesus  has  forever  fulfilled  and 
ended  the  typical  and  sacrificial  worship  under  the  Law, 
by,  the  offering  up  of  Himself  ujDon  the  cross,  once  for  all. 
He  has  opened  the  door  of  access  into  the  inner  sanctuary, 
and  appointed  spiritual  ofleriugs  for  the  service  of  his 
temple,  suited  to  the  several  conditions  of  all  who  worship 
in  spirit  and  in  truth.  The  broken  and  the  contrite  heart, 
the  confession  of  the  soul  prostrate  before  God,  the  prayer 
of  the  afflicted  when  he  is  overwhelmed,  the  earnest  wres- 
tling of  the  spirit,  the  outpouring  of  humble  thanksgiving, 
the  spiritual  song  and  melody  of  the  heart,  the  simple 
exercise  of  faith,  the  self-denying  service  of  love  ;  —  these 
are  among  the  offerings  which  He,  our  merciful  and  faith- 
ful High  Priest,  is  Himself  pleased  to  prepare  by  his 
spirit,  in  the  hearts  of  them  that  receive  Him,  and  to  pre- 
sent with  acceptance  unto  God ;  these  are  the  essential 
features  of  that  true  worship  which  stands  neither  in  forms 
nor  in  the  formal  disuse  of  forms,  and  may  be  without  words 
as  well  as  with  them,  but  must  be  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

As  it  hath  pleased  Divine  Goodness  clearly  to  manifest 
amongst  us  the  way  of  life  and  salvation,  and  to  instruct 
us  how  to  wait  for  Him,  j^rize,  we  beseech  you,  these 
precious  privileges.  Keep  all  your  meetings  in  the  power 
of  God,  and  when  thus  gathered,  be  truly  concerned  to 
draw  near  unto  Him  who  will  minister  to  cve/y  state  and 
condition,  thougli  you  may  have  no  outward  teaching,  and 
keep  you  in  humble  waiting  without  being  restless  or  un- 
easy, till  it  be  a  proper  time  to  close  your  meetings.  At 
the  close,  avoid  entering  hastily  into  discourses  about  the 
affairs  of  this  life,  a  practice  inconsistent  with  the  Christian 
gravity,  which  at  such  times  ought  in  a  special  manner  to 


20  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

influence  the  mhuls  of  persons  so  lately  assembled  for  the 
worship  of  God. 


PRIVATE   RETIREMENT   AND   PRATER. 

We  believe  that  private  retirement  and  prayer  is  the 
privilege  and  indispensable  duty  of  every  Christian.  It 
is  one  of  the  first  enjjagemeuts  of  the  awakened  soul,  and 
becomes  the  clothing  of  the  minds  of  those  \vhose  lives 
are  regulated  by  the  fear  and  love  of  their  Creator.  In 
the  sacred  writings  no  duty  is  more  clearly  set  forth.  Our 
Saviour  enjoins  it  upon  all  his  followers  by  precept,  by 
promise,  and  by  his  own  blessed  example,  and  we  are 
persuaded  that  all,  who  have  a  just  sense  of  the  value  of 
their  immortal  souls,  and  of  their  own  sinfulness,  helpless- 
ness, and  dependence,  will  feel  the  necessity  of  looking 
continually  to  a  higher  power,  of  seeking  for  better 
strength,  and  will  thankfully  rejoice  that  they  may  pray 
to  their  Father  in  Heaven,  whose  ear  is  open  to  their 
prayers. 

We  earnestly  desire  that  all  may  appreciate  this  high 
Christian  privilege,  and  Avith  sincere  believing  hearts  and 
reverential  awe,  approach  the  throne  of  grace,  trusting  in 
the  mediation  of  Him  through  whom  we  have  access  by 
one  spirit  unto  the  Father ;  and,  while  we  know  not  what 
we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought,  how  precious  the  assur- 
ance that  the  Spirit  helpeth  our  infirmities,  and  maketh 
intercession  for  us  according  to  the  will  of  God. 

Let  none  be  discouraged  from  the  performance  of  this 
duty  by  a  sense  of  their  transgressions  or  a  feeling  of 
weakness  or  poverty,  but  in  humility  and  sincere  repent- 
ance implore  the  forgiveness  and  help  of  God,  who,  as  they 
wait  patiently  before  Him  will  in  his  own  time  supply  all ' 
their  need.     And  if  there   be  any,  who,  dealing  honestly 


Chap.  II.]    PRIVATE  RETIREMENT  AND  PRAYER.  2l 

with  their  own  hearts,  must  acknowledge  that  they  feel  no 
necessity  for  such  prayer,  and  no  remorse  of  conscience 
for  neglecting  it,  may  these  deeply  reflect  upon  the  danger 
of  their  situation,  for  such  indifference  is  but  the  fearful 
sign  of  an  unhumbled,  unrenewed,  impenitent  heart. 
While  the  cause  remains  the  effect  will  continue  ;  therefore 
let  these  beseech  God  to  grant  them  true  repentance 
through  his  Holy  Spirit,  that  their  indisposition  to  call 
upon  Him  may  be  removed,  and  their  secret  prayers  may 
be  accepted  and  openly  rewarded  by  Him,  and  the  remain- 
der of  their  lives  be  so  pure  and  holy  that,  at  the  last, 
they  may  come  to  his  eternal  joy  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

Fervent  are  our  desires  that  we  may  be  indeed  a  spirit- 
ually minded  people,  and,  impressed  w^th  the  importance 
to  the  spiritual  life  of  seasons  of  retirement  before  the 
Lord,  we  would  encourage  all,  frequently  to  avail  them- 
selves of  this  privilege.  In  a  well-ordered  family  many 
opportunities  occur  in  which  the  mind  may  be  turned  in 
secret  aspirations  to  the  Author  of  all  our  blessings,  and 
which  often  prove  seasons  of  more  than  transient  benefit. 
We  desire  that  no  exception  to  this  practice  may  be  found 
amongst  us.  At  our  Bible-readings,  when  assembled  at 
our  meals,  and  even  when  engaged  in  our  temporal  aftairs, 
may  we  cherish  that  spirit  of  prayer  in  which  the  voice  of 
the  Heavenly  Shepherd  may  be  distinctly  heard,  and  abil- 
ity may  be  received  to  follow  Him,  in  the  obedience  of 
faith,  in  the  path  of  duty.  j\Iay  the  experience  of  us  all 
be  such  that  we  can  adopt  the  words  of  the  Psalmist, 
''Evening  and  morning,  and  at  noon,  will  I  pray."  How 
])recious  the  holy  settlement,  the  quiet  confidence  of  those 
who  put  their  trust  in  the  Lord ;  and  the  more  wo  seek 
for  this  heavenly  abiding,  the  more  fruitful  shall  wo  bo  in 
that  field  of  offering  unto  which  He  may  call  us,  and  the 
more  siiall  we  be  enabled  to  glorify  our  Father  in  Heaven. 


22  CHRISTIAN   PKACTICE.  [ChAP.  11. 

ON    READING    THE    HOLY    SCRIPTURES. 

Inasmuch  as  the  Holy  Scriptures  are  the  means  of  pre- 
serving to  us  an  account  of  the  wonderful  dealings  of  God 
Avith  his  people  in  ancient  time,  and  especially  the  proph- 
ecies concerning  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in 
the  flesh,  and  also  plainly  set  forth  his  miraculous  concep- 
tion, birth,  holy  life,  blessed  example,  meritorious  death, 
and  his  glorious  resurrection,  ascension,  and  mediation 
between  God  and  man,  we  do  tenderly  and  earnestly 
advise  all  our  members  to  be  frequent  in  reading  their 
sacred  contents,  and  meditating  thereon,  in  a  humble  reli- 
ance upon  the  Holy  Spirit  which  gave  them  forth.  And 
we  exhort  parents  and  heads  of  families  to  seek  that  ability 
from  God  which  alone  can  enable  them  to  instruct  their 
children  and  families  in  the  doctrines  and  precepts  of  the 
Christian  religion,  as  contained  in  the  Bible. 

And,  dear  friends,  encourage  a  frequent  and  diligent 
reading  of  the  Scriptures  in  your  families,  for  in  them  are 
contained  the  promises  of  salvation  and  of  eternal  life. 
The  possession  of  these  inestimable  writings  is  a  precious 
privilege,  for  which  we  must  give  account.  May  the 
reading  of  them  in  our  families  ever  be  conducted  with 
reverence,  and  with  minds  gathered  under  the  teachings 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Let  not  the  period  of  silent  waiting, 
on  these  occasions,  be  so  short  as  to  exclude  or  interrupt 
inward  retirement  and  prayer.  And  we  would  encourage 
Friends  so  to  dwell  under  spiritual  exercise,  on  account  of 
the  children  and  other  members  of  their  household,  that 
the  word  of  tender  counsel,  or  encouragement,  or  the  of- 
fering of  prayer,  or  thanksgiving,  seasoned  with  grace, 
may  not  be  withheld. 

In  addition  to  the  practice  of  the  daily  reading  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures  in  your  families,  be  encouraged,  dear 
friends,  often  to  read  them  in  private.     Cherish  a  humble 


Chap.  II.]         ON   READING   THE    SCRIPTURES.  23 

and  sincere  desire  to  receive  them  in  their  genuine  import. 
Ask  of  God  that  your  meditations  upon  the  sacred  writings 
may  be  under  the  influence  of  the  Hoi}''  Spirit.  The 
Comforter  alone  can  open  the  understanding  to  the  Truth 
as  it  is  in  Jesus.  And,  while  we  fully  acknowledge  that 
these  Scriptures  are  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  let  us 
ever  bear  in  mind  that  it  is  only  ''  through  faith  which  is 
in  Christ  Jesus,"  that  they  "  are  able  to  make  wise  unto 
salvation."  As  this  precious  faith  is  sought  for,  and  pre- 
vails, the  evidence  of  the  Spirit  of  God  in  our  hearts  con- 
firms our  belief  in  the  divine  authority  of  these  inestima- 
ble writings,  and  increases  our  gratitude  for  the  knowledge 
of  that  redemption  which  comes  by  the  Lord  Jesus,  of 
whom  they  so  largely  testify. 


ON    GIFTS    AND    SERVICES   FOR   THE    RELIGIOUS    BENEFIT    OF 

OTHERS. 

We  rejoice  with  thankfulness  in  the  Christian  concern 
evinced  by  the  members  of  our  religious  society,  and  in 
all  rightly  directed  efforts  made  by  them,  for  the  social, 
moral,  and  religious  improvement  of  our  fellow-men,  and 
desire  to  encourage  them,  individually,  to  faithfulness  in 
occupying  the  talent  received,  "  as  they  that  must  give  ac- 
count," in  dependence  upon  his  grace,  and  in  loving  ser- 
vice to  Him  who  loved  them  and  gave  himself  for  them. 

Whilst  careful  to  uphold  the  gospel  standard  in  the 
things  of  God,  we  desire  to  be  preserved  from  limiting  in 
any  degree  the  fullness  and  the  freeness  of  the  operation 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  We  thankfully  acknowledge  the 
goodness  of  the  Lord  in  the  diversities  of  gifts,  intellect- 
ual as  well  as  spiritual,  which  in  his  care  for  the  church 
he  is  pleased  to  confer  upon  its  several  members. 

Believing  that  the   Lord  has  some  service   for  every 


24  CHRISTIAN  PRACTICE.  [Chap.  11. 

member  of  his  church,  Monthly  and  Preparative  meetings 
arc  rcconmicndccl,  to  lend  their  aid,  as  way  may  open,  to 
the  promotion  of  Scripture  schools,  Mission  schools,  and 
other  associations  for  spreading  the  knowledge  of  the 
Gospel,  for  the  instruction  of  the  ignorant,  for  the  refor- 
mation of  the  vicious,  and  for  the  relief  of  the  sick,  the 
poor,  and  the  distressed  ;  and  to  encourage  all  our  mem- 
bers, particularly  our  young  men  and  women,  to  labor 
faithfully  for  the  good  of  those  around  them,  in  accord-^ 
ance  with  the  special  gifts  with  which  they  may  be  in-- 
trusted,  and  in  simple  obedience  to  the  guiding  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

When  differences  occur,  Friends  are  encouraged  to  bo 
prompt  in  undertaking,  and  prudent  in  exercising  the 
blessed  office  of  peacemaker.  The  patient  endeavors  of 
faithful  friends  in  this  service  will  doubtless  be  crowned 
with  success,  in  proportion  as  their  own  minds  are  seeking 
to  the  Lord  Jesus,  for  assistance  in  performing  an  office, 
on  which  He  has  pronounced  his  blessing,  and  in  endeav- 
oring to  lead  the  minds  of  contending  persons  to  a  sense 
of  the  absolute  necessity  for  all  true  disci^Dles  to  live  in 
peace,  one  with  another,  and  to  forgive  one  another,  even 
as  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  has  forgiven  them. 

We  would  especially  and  earnestly  encourage  all  Avho 
are  engaged  in  the  important  service  of  instructing  the 
young  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  or  in  their  mutual  study  to 
edification,  to  seek  by  earnest  prayer  for  the  help  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  to  enable  them  to  do  all  to  his  glory,  and  for 
the  conversion  of  souls  to  Christ. 

Faithful  Friends  should  feel  it  necessary,  and  an  imper- 
ative duty,  early  to  visit,  in  the  love  of  God,  young  con- 
vinced and  well  inclined  persons,  for  their  encouragement, 
help,  and  furtherance  in  the  truth. 

In  the  exercise  of  our  various  gifts,  may  there  be  a 
constant  advancement  from  strength  to  strength,  and  may 


Chap,  n.]       RELIGIOUS   BENEFIT   OF   OTHERS.  25 

zeal  for  that  Avhich  is  good  be  ever  tempered  with  heavenly 
wisdom.  Let  nothing  take  the  place  of  that  love  which 
draws  the  soul  to  Christ  as  its  rest  and  home,  ^i^y  all 
keep  the  eye  single  unto  Him,  with  subjected  hearts,  pre- 
pared to  receive  every  fresh  manifestation  of  his  counsel. 
The  services  of  his  household  are  various,  but  to  each 
member  of  it  the  language  is  applicable  :  "  Be  ye  clean 
that  bear  the  vessels  of  the  Lord."  The  work  of  the 
Lord  is  ever  an  humbling  work,  bringing  low  and  keeping 
low.  Many  are  its  conflicts  and  humiliations,  but  un- 
speakable are  its  joys.  "  Where  I  am,"  saith  our  Holy 
Redeemer,  "  there  shall  also  my  servant  be ; "  "  If  any 
man  serve  me,  him  will  my  Father  honor." 

May  we  ever  bear  in  mind  our  Saviour's  declaration  : 
"  Without  me  ye  can  do  nothing."  Great,  then,  is  the 
necessity  of  believing  in  and  waiting  for  the  qualification 
and  the  prompting  of  His  Spirit  to  move  and  guide  us  in 
all  our  attempts  at  service  for  the  good  of  others  ;  whether 
in  the  circle  of  our  own  religious  society,  as  those  of  the 
minister,  the  elder,  the  overseer,  the  committee  intrusted 
with  duties  in  the  church,  or  the  member  of  the  body  who 
speaks  to  the  matter  before  the  church,  or  in  that  large 
"  field  "  which  "  is  the  world."  How  carefully  should  each 
one  wait  on  Him,  that  they  may  neither  withhold  that 
which  is  required,  nor  move  without  his  requiring. 
"When  He,  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  is  come,  He  will  guide 
you  into  all  truth." 

And,  dear  friends,  whatever  may  be  the  duration  of 
our  earthly  existence,  no  life  is  too  long  for  the  perform- 
ance of  the  duties  which  He  who  measures  it  out,  appoints 
for  it.  Beware,  then,  we  entreat  you,  of  the  beguile- 
ments  of  ease  and  self-indulgence ;  of  being  absorbed  by 
the  cares  of  the  world  or  hindered  l)y  its  entanglements. 
Dwell  in  retirement  of  spirit  before  the  Lord,  and  in  the 
habitual  exercise  of  the  faith  and  love  of  Christ.     Whether 


26  CHRISTIAN  TEACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

it  be  in  the  family,  the  social  circle,  the  place  of  business, 
or  more  prominently  before  the  public,  let  the  light  of 
the  gospel,  and  the  evidence  that  you  have  been  Avith 
Christ,  shine  through  all.  The  parent,  the  man  of  busi- 
ness, the  citizen,  each  has  a  testimony  to  bear  for  Christ. 
Let  our  prayers  be  fervent,  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  for  our- 
selves and  for  others.  May  those  upon  whom  it  rightly 
devolves  be  diligent  in  feeding  the  Lord's  flock ;  and  may 
none,  whatever  their  position,  overlook  the  lesser  open- 
ings for  duty.  A  word  of  counsel,  of  reproof,  or  of  en- 
couragement, spoken  in  season,  in  ever  so  broken  a  man- 
ner, in  the  family  and  social  circle,  or  more  publicly,  how 
good  it  is  !  How  often  does  it  reach  the  witness  in  the 
hearts  of  others  !  How  often  does  the  blessing  of  the 
Lord  attend  it !  Let  us  bear  in  mind  the  Christian  duty 
of  watching  over  one  another  for  good.  Each  may  be 
called  to  manifest  his  interest  by  word  or  deed  on  behalf 
of  some  brother,  or  sister,  and  thus  to  follow  in  the  foot- 
steps of  our  Divine  Master,  whose  whole  life  was  marked 
by  sympathy  for  the  sorrows  and  infirmities  of  man. 


ON   SIMPLICITY,    MODERATION,   AND   SELF-DENIAL. 

How  impressive  are  the  words  of  our  Holy  Redeemer, 
in  which  he  describes  his  true  followers.  "  They  are  not 
of  the  world,  even  as  I  am  not  of  the  world."  He  is  the 
Immanuel,  elect  and  precious,  the  image  of  Him  who  is 
invisible,  in  whom  the  righteousness  and  grace  of  God  are 
revealed  to  man.  And  it  is  the  high  privilege  of  his  dis- 
ciples to  follow  his  steps,  to  be  conformed  to  his  holy 
image ;  to  be  like  Him,  pure,  and  separated  in  spirit  from 
the  world,  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  not  seeking  to  gratify 
self,  but  in  all  things  given  up  to  spend  and  be  spent  for 
the  good  of  others,  to  do  or  to  sufler  according  to  the  will 


Chap.  II.]     ON   SIMPLICITY,    MODERATION,    &C.  27 

of  God.  This  is  the  path  which  our  Divine  Master  hath 
Himself  marked  out  and  cousecrated  for  us  —  a  path  of 
self-denial,  humility,  and  holiness.  Let  none  therefore 
deceive  themselves  by  any  means.  The  lust  of  the  flesh, 
the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life,  are  not  of  the 
Father,  but  are  of  the  world ;  and,  whether  it  be  in  our 
personal  habits  or  attire,  in  our  style  of  living,  in  the 
general  tone  of  our  conversation  or  reading,  in  the  mode 
of  our  spending  our  time  or  our  money,  in  the  character 
of  our  occupation,  or  in  the  manner  of  conducting  our 
outward  affairs ;  whether  it  be  in  that  we  do  or  in  that 
which  we  leave  undone,  all  that  in  anywise  fosters  the  de- 
sires of  the  flesh,  or  of  the  vain  and  unregenerate  mind, 
impairs  the  health  and  vigor  of  the  Christian  life.  In 
looking  at  the  holy  example  of  his  Lord,  the  humble  be- 
liever is  made  deeply  sensible  that  much  yet  remains  for 
him  to  attain.  But,  as  he  advances  on  his  course,  he  will 
be  more  and  more  constrained  by  the  love  of  Christ  to 
follow  after  Him  in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  often 
faint,  yet  still  pressing  forward.  The  standard  is  a  high 
one,  but  it  is  set  before  us  in  infinite  wisdom  and  love,  by 
Him  who  is  willing  to  supply  all  our  need. 

How  important,  in  its  connection  with  the  great  work  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  is  the  duty  of  cultivating  a  tender  religious 
susceptibility  !  Christianity  is  intended  to  influence  the 
whole  life  and  conversation.  Some  of  its  most  precious 
promises  relate  to  the  daily  conduct  and  experience  of  the 
believer.  "  I  will  dwell  in  them  and  walk  in  them,"  saith 
the  Lord.  Marvellous  condescension !  Blessed  is  he, 
who,  in  the  living  sense  of  it,  abides  continually  in  the 
filial  fear  of  offending  God.  His  tastes  and  aflcctions 
being  renewed  from  above,  he  will  separate  himself  from 
that  which  the  Lord  hatcth  and  which  his  Spirit  reproves. 
Faithfulness  to  the  Divine  rcquirings  in  the  details  of  life, 
leads  liim  into  nonconformity  with  the  world ;  and  in  this 


28  CHRISTIAN  rKACTiCE.  [Chap.  11. 

nonconformity  he  is  of  necessity  a  marked  man  amongst 
the  -worldly  or  less  restrained.  It  was  a  deep  conscious- 
ness of  the  practical  character  of  true  religion,  which  led 
our  forefathers  to  be  distinguished  from  others.  Often 
and  feelingly  did  they  declare  that  they  affected  no  singu- 
larity and  imposed  no  merely  human  restraints  ;  that  they 
had  no  pleasure  in  offending  their  neighbors,  and  no  stoical 
indifference  to  personal  suffering,  but  that  it  was  in  the 
exercise  of  a  good  conscience  towards  God  and  man,  that 
they  were  constrained  to  differ  from  others  in  these  re- 
spects. Like  them,  we  would  plead  for  conformity  unto 
Christ.  The  testimony  which  we  receive  from  Him  is  to 
simplicity,  truth-speaking,  and  self-denial.  These  we 
continue  to  esteem  to  be  among  the  distinguishing  features 
of  complete  practical  Christianity,  and  by  them  we  trust 
that  our  members  may  ever  desire  to  be  known. 

And,  forasmuch  as  a  true  Christian  practice,  and  every 
branch  of  it,  is  the  fruit  and  effect  of  the  inward  sanctifi- 
cation  of  the  heart  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  for  which  we 
are  required  frequently  to  wait  on  Him  in  all  humility  and 
lowliness  of  mind,  we  tenderly  advise  that  everything 
tendiug  to  obstruct  or  divert  the  minds  of  children,  or 
those  of  more  advanced  years  may  be  carefully  avoided 
and  taken  out  of  the  way.  And,  it  being  evident  that  the 
glory  and  vanity  of  the  world  and  the  pleasures  and  di- 
versions of  it  are  of  this  nature  and  tendency,  we  advise 
that  all  our  members  be  good  examples  to  their  children 
and  those  about  them,  in  a  humble  and  circumspect  walk- 
ing, and  with  all  plainness  of  habit  and  speech  ;  and  also 
that  they  be  very  careful  not  to  indulge  their  children  in 
the  use  and  practice  of  things  contrary  thereto. 

"  It  is  required  in  stewards  that  a  man  be  found  faithful." 
Happy  is  that  man  who,  seeking  to  maintain  a  good  con- 
science towards  God,  hath  ceased  to  live  unto  himself, 
and  is  living  unto  Him  who  died  for  us  and  rose  again. 


Chap,  n.]  l^OXB   AND   UNITY.  29 

Those  who  desire  that  they  may  be  helped  to  glorify  God 
in  their  body,  and  in  their  spirit,  which  are  God's,  will  be 
brouo-ht  to  feel  that  this  is  not  the  place  of  their  rest ; 
their  hearts  being  set  on  heavenly  treasure,  that  which  is 
earthly  and  perishable  will  have  less  place  in  their  affec- 
tions ;  their  moderation  —  the  right  and  temperate  use  of 
the  Lord's  outward  gifts  —  will  appear  unto  all  men ;  it 
will  be  their  concern  to  be  kept  from  the  love  of  ease, 
from  undue  creaturely  indulgences,  and  from  the  luxuries 
of  life.  Eegulated  by  this  Christian  standard,  our  per- 
sonal expenditure,  our  style  of  living,  the  furniture  of  our 
houses,  the  supply  of  our  tables,  the  plainness  and  sim- 
plicity of  our  apparel,  the  right  use  of  our  leisure  time 
and  of  our  property,  will  evince,  so  far  as  these  things 
are  concerned,  that  the  love  of  the  world  is  losing  its  hold 
upon  us,  and  that  the  love  of  Christ  is  growing  stronger 
within  us. 


LOVE  AND  UNITY 


PART   I. 


"  God  is  love."  He  is  omnipresent.  His  love  extends 
to  all,  both  saint  and  sinner.  "God  so  loved  the  world 
that  He  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  be- 
lieveth  on  Him  might  not  perish."  And  the  Son  so  loved 
the  world  that  he  gave  Himself  for  the  sins  of  the  world, — 
the  just  for  the  unjust.  And  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  is  one 
with  the  Father  and  the  Son,  and  the  agency  whereby  the 
grace,  or  "  favor  and  assistance  of  God"  hath  appeared. 
He  80  loves  the  world  that  He  saith,  "come."  And  the 
Church,  whicli  is  the  Bride,  the  Lamb's  wife,  so  loves  the 
world  that  she  saith,  "  come."     And  the  response  must  be, 


30  LOVE   AND   UNITY.  [Chap.  II. 

and  is,  from  every  true  and  living  Christian,  "come;" 
and  this  bccanse  he  loves  the  whole  world,  the  sinner  as 
well  as  the  saint.  For  "  if  any  man  have  not  the  spirit 
(consequently  love)  of  Christ  he  is  none  of  His." 

This  love  is  broader  than  unity,  because  the  disciple, 
the  friend  of  Christ,  may  and  must  love  even  the  enemies 
of  Christ.  Yet  he  can  have  unity  only  with  the  friends  of 
Christ,  —  with  such  as  are  engrafted  into  the  same  vine, 
and  partake  of  the  same  spirit ;  and  their  unity  stands  not 
in  oneness  of  idea,  but  in  oneness  of  Spirit,  —  in  that 
oneness  which  Christ  prayed  the  Father  that  his  disciples 
might  experience ;  "  that  they  may  be  one  in  us."  And 
although  gospel  love  be  more  extensive  and  broader  than 
Christian  unity,  yet  the  unity  of  the  spirit,  which  is  not 
dependent  upon  oneness  of  idea,  is  broad  enough  to  em- 
brace the  whole  "  household  of  faith,"  including  all  true 
believers,  branches  of  the  True  Vine,  wherever  found,  in 
every  denomination,  in  every  kindred,  tongue,  and  people. 
And  this  gospel  love,  now  so  largely  and  sweetly  aug- 
mented by  the  unity  of  the  spirit,  is  yet  further  enhanced, 
though  its  boundaries  be  narrowed,  by  oneness  of  idea  or 
unity  of  belief,  and  blessed  are  they  who  maintain  and 
enjoy  this  love  and  unity  in  the  "  bond  of  peace." 

It  is  a  precious  truth  to  us  in  our  fallen  condition,  "  that 
God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling  the  world  unto  Himself, 
not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them."  Christ,  who 
knew  no  sin,  who  was  a  propitiatory  oifering  for  our  sins, 
and  for  the  sins  of  all  mankind  ^  who  enlighteneth  every 
man  that  cometh  into  the  world,  and  who  is  ever  present 
with  his  people,  as  "  their  Teacher  to  instruct  them,  their 
Counsellor  to  direct  them,  their  Shepherd  to  feed  them, 
their  Bishop  to  oversee  them,  and  their  Prophet  to  open 
divine  mysteries  to  them,"  *  was  the  foundation  of  our 
forefathers,  and  this  foundation  is  ours. 

*  George  Fox's  Journal, 


Chap,  n.]  LOVE  AND  UNITY.  31 

It  was  to  this  experimeutal  knowledge  of  Christ,  that 
our  early  predecessors  were  engaged  to  gather  all  men, 
that  they  might  really  be  prepared,  sanctiiied,  and  made 
fit  temples  for  Him  to  dwell  in.  By  one  spirit  they  were 
baptized  into  one  body ;  and,  rooted  and  grounded  in  love, 
they  were,  through  the  help  of  their  Lord,  united  one  to 
another  in  upholding  an  open  and  [decided  testimony  to 
the  gospel  in  its  primitive  purity. 

"Let  brotherly  love  continue."  It  is  the  token  that  we 
are  the  children  of  God,  who  is  emphatically  Love.  It  is 
the  evidence  that  we  belong  to  Christ.  The  psalmist 
compares  the  unity  of  the  brethren  to  the  anointing  oil 
and  the  fertilizing  dew.  Where  it  is  wanting  there  is  no 
true  fragrance  nor  fruitfuluess  in  the  church.  May  the 
Lord,  Himself,  cause  this  fragrance  and  this  fruitfuluess 
to  abound  yet  more  and  more  amongst  you,  to  his  praise. 


PART   II. 

Among  the  gospel  precepts,  we  find  nothing  more 
strongly  and  frequently  recommended  by  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  and  his  apostles  to  the  primitive  laborers,  than  that 
they  should  love  one  another ;  and,  as  we  are  sensible 
that  nothing  will  more  contribute  to  the  peace  and  pros- 
perity of  the  church,  than  a  duo  regard  to  this  advice,  so 
we  earnestly  desire  that  it  may  bo  the  care  and  concern  of 
all  Friends  to  dwell  therein,  and  in  the  unity  of  the  spirit 
to  maintain  love,  concord,  and  peace,  in  and  among  all 
the  churches  of  Christ. 

Seeing  our  comfort  as  a  people  depends  upon  our  care 
to  maintain  peace  and  fellowship  amongst  brethren,  in  all 
our  services,  we  earnestly  recommend  an  humble  and  con- 
descending frame  of  spirit  unto  all*;  that  with  godly  fear, 
wisdom,  and  meekness,  we  may  be  ordered  in  all  our  re- 


32  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

spectivc  services  ;  that  every  high  and  rough  thing  may  bo 
laid  low ;  that  all  occasions  of  striving  may  be  prevented, 
and  the  peace  of  the  church  of  Christ  preserved  and  in- 
creased amongst  us. 

Whilst  it  is  at  all  times  the  duty  of  members  of  the 
church  faithfully  to  maintain  the  truth,  and  whilst  some  of 
them  may  rightly  feel  themselves  called  upon  openl}'-  to 
oppose  error,  we  believe  that  there  is  hardly  anythiug 
more  inimical  to  the  growth  of  vital  religion,  than  indul- 
gence in  the  spirit  of  religious  controversy.  Satan  tri- 
umphs when  he  can  make  the  name  of  Jesus  a  word  of 
strife  and  debate  among  the  professed  followers  of  the 
Lord.  Let  us,  therefore,  each  of  us  mind  our  own  calling 
by  keeping  our  eye  single  to  the  Lord ;  and  then  shall  we 
know  that  "the  fruit  of  the  spirit"  will,  in  the  sight  of 
others,  be  "  in  all  goodness,  righteousness  and  truth,"  and 
to  ourselves  joy  and  peace  ;  that  so  every  one  may  come 
to  seek  peace  and  pursue  it,  and  none  be  apt  to  take  of- 
fence, but  each  in  his  own  particular,  be  more  careful  to 
rectify  his  own  failings  and  imperfections,  than  curious  in 
observing,  censuring,  and  exaggerating  those  of  others. 
This  will  lead  to  the  exercise  of  mutual  forbearance  and 
forgiveness,  one  of  another,  by  which  the  occasions  of 
contention  will  be  avoided,  and  the  church  will  be  pre- 
served in  a  state  of  peace  and  tranquillity.  "  Follow  peace 
with  all  men,  and  holiness,  without  which  no  man  shall 
see  the  Lord ;  looking  diligently  lest  any  man  fail  of  the 
grace  of  God ;  lest  any  root  of  bitterness  springing  up 
trouble  you,  and  thereby  many  be  defiled." 


LIBERALITY   AND   BENEVOLENCE. 

"  Blessed  is  he  that  "considereth  the  poor."     It  is  our 
desire  that  we  may  all  of  us  be  kept  in  that  state   of 


Chap,  n.]       LIBERALITY   AND   BENEVOLENCE.  33 

watchfulness  from  day  to  day,  and  iu  that  sense  of  our 
responsibility  to  God,  in  which  we  may  be  enabled  to  as- 
certain whether  a  due  portion  of  our  time,  our  sympa- 
thies, and  our  substance,  is  devoted  to  the  great  duty  of 
visiting  the  poor  in  our  respective  neighborhoods,  to  the 
inspection  of  their  condition,  and  to  the  relief  of  their 
Avants ;  and  we  wish  to  appeal  to  our  dear  young  people 
to  consider  whether  a  larger  portion  of  their  time,  the 
means  they  may  have  at  their  disposal,  and  that  which 
they  could  spare  from  the  superfluities  of  life,  might  not 
be  acceptably  devoted  to  this  object.  It  is  important  to 
ourselves,  as  well  as  to  those  who  are  in  need,  that  the 
due  support  of  institutions,  whose  object  is  the  relief  of 
human  sufiering,  should  not  be  substituted  for  the  personal 
visiting  of  the  poor  in  their  own  habitations,  and  the  ad- 
ministering to  their  wants.  We  would  warn  those  that 
are  rich  in  this  world,  that  they  apply  not  the  blessings  of 
God  to  the  indulging  of  their  appetites  in  pleasure  and 
vanity ;  but  that  they  be  ready  to  do  good,  and  to  con- 
tribute to  the  relief  of  those  who  are  in  necessity.  The 
principal,  if  not  the  only  satisfaction,  a  man  of  a  truly 
Christian  disposition  can  have,  in  the  possession  of  afflu- 
ence and  the  increase  of  the  things  of  this  world,  must 
arise  from  the  greater  opportunities  put  into  his  hands  of 
doing  good  therewith. 

We  fear  that  some  of  our  members  are  indulirinir  in 
habits  of  expense  in  attire,  furniture,  and  manner  of  liv- 
ing, which  are  not  only  inconsistent  Avith  the  simplicity  of 
the  Gospel,  but  a  constant  call  for  much  of  that  property, 
which  would  be  better  employed  in  feeding  the  hungry, 
and  of  that  time,  which  might  be  occupied  in  visiting  and 
cheering  the  habitations  of  human  misery.  "The  trim- 
ming of  the  vain  world,"  said  our  Avorthy  elder  William 
Penn,  '*  would  clothe  the  naked  one."  It  is  not,  however, 
with  such  only  that  wc  plead  on  })ehalf  of  the  indigent. 


34  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap,  II. 

"We  wish  those  who  in  appearance  and  manner  are  gener- 
ally consistent  with  our  self-denying  profession,  to  be  clear 
that  a  due  proportion  of  their  time  and  substance  is  spent 
in  the  relief  of  distress.  The  degraded  and  demoralized 
state  of  the  poor,  in  many  places,  and  the  great  prevalence 
of  crime,  are  deeply  to  be  deplored.  We  therefore  en- 
treat Friends  in  their  respective  situations,  in  town  and 
country,  to  search  out  the  causes  of  these  evils  and  to 
encourage  their  neighbors,  and  unite  Avith  them,  in  their 
efibrts  to  apply  a  remedy.  And,  seeing  it  is  sin  which 
separates  the  soul  from  communion  with  God,  and  that 
ignorance,  intemperance,  vice,  and  irreligion  so  much  pre- 
vail, may  our  sympathies  be  awakened  for  such  of  oul'  fellow 
creatures  as  are  suifering  from  these  causes,  with  an 
earnest  endeavor  that,  under  the  blessing  of  God,  we  may 
be  made  instrumental  in  efiecting  a  real  improvement  in 
the  domestic,  moral,  and  religious  state  of  these  our  fellow- 
men. 


ADVICE    IN   RELATION   TO   THE   MINISTRY. 

A  living,  rightly  authorized  ministry,  has  ever  been  a 
blessing  to  the  Church.  It  is  the  prerogative  of  Christ 
Jesus,  our  Lord,  to  choose  and  to  put  forth  his  own  min- 
isters. A  clear  apprehension  of  Scripture  doctrine,  or  a 
heart  enlarged  in  love  to  others,  are  not  of  themselves 
sufficient  for  this  work.  Whatever  may  be  the  talents  or 
scriptural  knowledge  of  any,  unless  there  be  a  distinct 
call  to  the  ministry,  the  Society  of  Friends  cannot  ac- 
knowledge it,  and,  except  there  be  a  sense  of  the  renewed 
putting  forth  and  quickening  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
we  believe  it  to  be  utterly  unsafe  to  move  in  this  office. 
Our  blessed  Lord,  just  before  his  ascension,  commanded 
his  disciples  to  wait  at  Jerusalem  until  they  were  endued 


Chap,  n.]  ADVICE  IX  RELATION  TO  THE  MINISTRY..  35 

with  power  from  on  high,  knowing  their  inability,  without 
that  power,  to  speak  in  his  name,  for  the  conversion  of 
the  nations.  It  was  this  power  that  enabled  them  to  speak 
boldly  in  the  uam6  of  Jesus,  this  alone  that  made  them 
able  ministers  of  Christ,  whose  preaching  was  not  with 
enticinfr  words  of  man's  wisdom,  but  in  demonstration  of 
the  spirit  and  of  power. 

The  Spirit  of  God,  being  the  foundation  of  all  true 
knowledge  and  experience,  both  in  ministers  and  in  hear- 
ers, we  earnestly  exhort  that  all  should  reverently  and 
diligently  w^ait  upon  and  mind  it.  Ministers,  in  their  pub- 
lic services  especially,  ought  always  to  attend  closely  to 
their  several  and  peculiar  gifts,  and  minister  the  word 
faithfully,  as  it  is  manifested  and  revealed  to  them,  ob- 
serving a  modest  behavior  in  the  exercise  thereof,  and  a 
care,  on  no  occasion,  to  exceed  the  measure  of  their  gifts. 

AYc  earnestly  caution  and  entreat  all  such  among  you 
as  find  themselves  concerned  in  Christian  love  f o  exhort 
and  admonish  others,  that  they  be  especially  careful  of 
their  own  conduct ;  that  by  circumspect  walking,  in  all 
holiness  of  life  and  conversation,  they  may  be  living  ex- 
Timples  of  the  purity  and  excellence  of  the  advice  they 
recommend.  Looking  into  the  state  of  this  part  of  our 
Society,  the  necessity  that  such  be  examples  in  their  daily 
walk  appears  exceedingly  great,  particularly  in  a  diligent 
attendance  of  all  our  meetings  for  worship  and  discipline  ; 
therein  to  be  very  deep  and  weighty  in  spirit,  laboring, 
with  an  ardor  of  soul  suited  to  the  occasion,  for  the  aris- 
ing of  the  ancient  spring  of  life,  which  of  a  truth  is  the 
crown  of  our  assemblies,  and  the  ground  of  our  joy  and 
rejoicing  in  Christ,  and  one  in  another. 

Ministers  should  be  frequent  in  reading,  and  diligent  in 
meditating  upon  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  be  careful  not 
to  misquote,  misconstrue,  or  misapply  them.  In  preach- 
ing, writing,  or  conversing  about  the  things  of  God,  let 


36  CHRISTIAN  PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

them  keep  to  the  use  of  sound  words  or  scripture  terms. 
They  are  advised  to  be  cautious  of  hiying  undue  stress 
on  their  testimony,  by  too  positively  asserting  a  divine 
motion,  and  frequently  repeating  the  same,  as  the  baptiz- 
ing power  of  truth,  accompanying  the  words,  is  the  best 
evidence  of  the  gift,  in  all  true  gospel  ministry. 

jNIiuisters  should  be  guarded  when  led  into  disputed 
points  of  doctrine  in  their  testimony,  not  to  make  objec- 
tions which  they  do  not  clearly  answer,  nor  give  repeated 
expectations  of  coming  to  a  close  of  their  remarks.  And 
they  are  advised  to  guard  against  unnecessary  preambles 
and  repetitions  ;  against  hurting  meetings  by  unnecessary 
additions  towards  their  conclusion ;  against  all  unbecom- 
ing tones,  sounds,  and  gestures ;  and  against  all  affecta- 
tion. They  should  carefully  avoid  presuming  to  prophesy 
in  their  own  spirits  against  any  nation,  city,  town,  people, 
or  person ;  or  delivering  prophetic  declarations  of  any 
kind,  without  the  most  clear  and  certain  evidence  of  divine 
authority. 

As  it  is  one  of  the  duties  especially  incumbent  on  elders 
to  be  helpful  to  those  engaged  in  the  ministry,  a  trust 
which  they  cannot  properly  discharge  without  the  aid  of 
that  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  there  should  be  such  a 
prevalence  of  love  between  the  ministers  and  elders,  that 
the  ministers  may  feel  that  they  have  a  kind  and  sympa- 
thizing friend  in  every  elder.  Where  this  mutual  love 
and  confidence  are  maintained,  they  are  not  only  a  strength 
to  each  other,  but  arc  encouraging  examples  to  the  church. 
We  also  advise  ministers  to  have  it  very  much  at  heart,  to 
maintain  a  perfect  harmony  and  good  understanding  with 
the  monthly  meetings  to  which  they  belong ;  that  as  the 
said  meetings  may  sometimes  find  themselves  concerned 
to  advise  ministers  respecting  their  conduct  in  meetings, 
or  otherwise,  they  show  themselves  ready  to  hear  and 
receive  advice,  as  well  as  to  teach  and  instruct. 


Chap,  n.]  ADVICE  IN  RELATION  TO  THE  MINISTRY.  37 

We  do  in  much  love  caution  those  who  are  concerned 
in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  to  watch  over  their  own 
spirits,  and  not  to  be  hasty  or  censorious  in  passing  judg- 
ment respecting  the  state  of  those  who  hear  them,  but  to 
manifest  that,  in  the  exercise  of  their  ministry,  they  are 
led  by  the  love  of  God,  and  that  their  aim  is  to  be  instru- 
mental in  administering  spiritual  consolation  and  strength 
to  the  churches  where  they  may  come. 

Ministers  and  elders  should  be  very  careful,  whilst  they 
are  engaged  in  necessary  business,  not  to  become  entangled 
with  the  cares  of  the  w^orld,  and  should  guard  against  an 
inordinate  desire  of  accumulating  wealth,  that  thus  they 
may  be  examples  of  Christian  moderation  and  content- 
ment in  all  things ;  and  let  them  be  careful  not  to  over- 
charge themselves  with  trade  or  other  outward  engage- 
ments, to  the  hindrance  of  their  service  for  truth,  or 
engage  in  employments  of  which  they  have  neither  knowl- 
edge nor  experience,  but  pursue  such  business  as  they  ai*e 
acquainted  with. 

We  tenderly  advise  all  who  travel  in  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  that  they  not  only  shut  their  cars  against  all 
private  information,  tending  to  the  defamation  of  persons 
or  families,  and  to  stir  up  disputes  and  contentions  in 
meetings  for  discipline  ;  but  that  they  rebuke  and  reprove 
the  person  or  persons  who  shall  attempt  to  prejudice  their 
minds  with  any  private  information  of  that  nature ;  and 
we  further  advise  them,  while  so  travelling,  to  be  very 
prudent  in  their  conduct,  not  as  busy  bodies,  nor  med- 
dling with  family  or  personal  affairs  in  which  they  are  not 
concerned,  or  required  to  assist,  that  they  be  careful  not 
'to  make  their  visits  burdensome  or  the  gospel  chargeable, 
and,  as  soon  as  their  service  in  the  ministry  is  over,  that 
they  return  to  their  hal)itations,  and  there  take  a  reason- 
able and  prudent  care  of  their  own  business,  households, 
and  families. 

^13734 


38  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [ChAP.  II. 

Ministering  friends  should  be  careful  not  to  hurt  one 
another's  service  in  public  meetings,  but  let  every  one 
have  a  tender  regard  for  others ;  that  nothing  be  offered 
with  a  view  to  popularity,  but  in  humility  and  the  fear  of 
the  Lortl. 

When- ministers  are  favored  with  a  clear  intimation  that 
it  is  required  of  them  to  speak  to  the  people,  it  is  advised 
that  they  attend  to  it  seasonably,  not  deferring  it  until  the 
meeting  becomes  too  weary  to  be  benefited  thereby. 

And  lastly,  as  prayer  and  thanksgiving  are  an  import- 
ant part  of  worship,  let  them  be  offered  in  spirit  and  in 
truth,  with  a  right  understanding,  qualified  by  grace. 
When  engaged  herein,  ministers  should  avoid  many  words 
and  repetitions,  and  be  cautious  of  too  often  repeating  the 
high  and  holy  name  of  God  or  his  attributes,  or  of  passing 
from  supplication  into  declaration,  as  though  the  Lord  had 
need  of  information. 


EDUCATION. 

Education,  in  the  most  comprehensive  sense  of  the 
word,  constitutes  an  important  part  of  Christian  discipline. 

It  has  long  been  the  concern  of  this  Society  and  often 
expressed,  that  our  children  and  youth  may  be  brought 
up  in  the  "  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,"  in  a  love 
of  virtue,  and  in  a  strict  regard  for  truth  and  integrity  — 
and  that  you,  dear  friends,  who  fill  the  important  station 
of  parents,  may  set  that  example  of  an  humble  Christian 
life,  which  so  beautifully  enforces  the  pure  principles  of 
the  gospel.  The  moral,  intellectual,  and  spiritual  condi- 
tion which  prevails  in  the  family,  determines  more  than 
any  other  influence  in  childhood,  the  character  of  its  indi- 
vidual members. 

The  education   of  our  children  in  schools  and  acade- 


Chap,  n.]  EDUCATION.  39 

inies,  has  always  been  au  object  of  care  aud  solicitude  in 
the  Society  of  Friends,  aud  its  institutions  of  learning 
have  received  the  prayerful  attention  of  its  most  devoted 
members,  from  an  early  period  of  its  history ;  aud,  at  this 
later  day,  when  the  world  around  us  has  made  such  great 
progress  in  the  general  diflusion  of  knowledge,  we  trust 
that  Friends  will  continue  to  hold  au  honorable  position 
among  their  fellow  professors  in  the  church  universal,  as 
active  promoters  of  sound,  liberal,  and  useful  education ; 
aud,  to  that  end,  it  is  earnestly  desired  that  they  may  be 
iucreasingly  impressed  with  the  importance  of  providing, 
within  our  own  Society,  the  advantages  afforded  by  schools, 
colleges,  and  other  higher  institutions  of  learning,  which 
are  enjoyed  by  those  who  are  not  in  profession  with  us. 

We  may  be  well  assured  that  the  most  exalted  piety  is 
consistent  with  the  highest  attainments  in  learning,  and 
that  truth  in  science  is  not  in  conflict  with  the  faith  which 
we  profess,  but  a  perpetual  testimony  to  its  truth  and 
verity ;  and  that  intellectual  discipline  tends  to  the  en- 
largement of  the  understanding,  and  thereby  extends  the 
field  of  individual  usefulness.  The  .powers  of  the  mind 
were  given  to  be  cultivated  to  the  fullest  extent,  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  both  for  the  happiness  of  their  possessor 
aud  for  the  advantage  of  his  fellow-men. 

The  well  educated  is  no  less  likely  than  the  ignorant 
man  to  be  au  humble  follower  of  Christ,  and,  when  his 
powers  arc  consecrated  to  the  service  of  his  Lord,  lie  can 
])ring  all  his  gifts  as  tithes  into  the  storehouse.  All  truth 
is  from  the  same  Divine  Source.  Minds  rightly  tempered 
by  religious  experience,  and  in  harmony  with  the  mind  of 
God,  are  peculiarly  fitted  to  investigate  the  jiaths  of  sci- 
ence, and  to  cultivate  the  fields  of  literature  and  art.  The 
cultivation  of  the  mind  not  only  prepares  for  more  cfiicient 
service  under  the  direction  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  but  it  con- 


40  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

duces,  also,  to  that  wido  toleration  and  charity,  Avhich  are 
essential  to  the  preservation  of  Christian  love  and  imity. 

We  Avould  therefore  earnestly  advise  that  Friends  make 
liberal  provision,  and  at  personal  sacrifice,  if  need  be,  for 
the  intellectual  training  of  their  children,  under  circum- 
stances favorable  to  their  moral  preservation  and  spiritual 
growth,  and  that  they  cherish  that  generous  disposition 
towards  teachers,  which  will  encourage  well  qualified  per- 
sons to  engage  in  this  responsible  Avork,  —  not  only  those 
who  are  able  to  instruct  in  the  difierent  branches  of  learn- 
ing, but  who  are  also  concerned  to  cooperate  with  the 
Society,  in  its  religious  endeavors  to  excite  a  love  of  vir- 
tue, and  to  show  out  of  a  good  conversation  an  example 
consistent  with  our  principles. 

A  care  should  also  be  exercised,  in  the  choice  of  school 
books,  to  select  such  as  are  healthy  in  their  moral  tone. 
We  are  also  religiously  concerned  that  our  young  people, 
while  receiving  that  education  which  will  fit  them  for  use- 
fulness, may  be  trained  up  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures.  They  should  be  made  acquainted  in  very 
early  life  with  the  iristructive  narratives  and  leading  facts 
of  the  Old  Testament,  with  the  types  and  prophecies 
which  represented  beforehand  the  coming  and  the  charac- 
ter of  Christ,  and  especially  with  that  message  of  love 
and  mercy  to  fallen  man,  which  is  contained  in  the  Gospel. 
May  it  also  be  impressed  upon  their  tender  minds,  that 
the  same  Holy  Spirit,  which  revealed  the  Divine  truths  of 
the  Bible  to  holy  men  of  old,  doth  in  this  day,  by  its  per- 
ceptible influence,  illuminate  those  truths,  and  reveal  to 
the  understanding  of  the  humble  disciple  the  saving 
knowledge  thereof. 

We  esteem  it  of  great  importance,  that  children  and 
youth  be  led  to  examine  for  themselves  the  external  evi- 
dences of  the  Christian  religion,  and  that  their  attention 
be  directed  to  those  parts  of  Scripture  which  elucidate 


Cbaj:).  II.]  BOOKS.  41 

our  particular  doctrines  and  testimonies.  Tlius,  as  they 
advance  in  life,  they  will  know  on  what  grounds  their 
profession  rests,  and  be  able  to  give  to  others  an  intelli- 
gent reason  for  the  hope  which  they  entertain. 

While  we  observe  with  satisfaction  the  increasini?  inter- 
est  manifested  by  Friends  in  First-day  schools  for  scrip- 
tural instruction;  and  are  fully  assured  that  this  service 
is  owned  and  blessed  of  the  Lord,  we  desire  to  caution 
Friends  not  to  rely  too  much  on  this  work,  and  so  to  neg- 
lect the  moral  and  religious  instruction  of  their  children, 
either  in  their  families  or  in  schools  for  secular  education. 

Friends  who  have  the  prosperity  of  Truth  at  heart, 
should  take  care,  if  suitable  opportunities  and  occasions 
ofler,  that  their  children  be  taught  the  modern  languages, 
so  that,  when  they  are  grown  up,  as  it  shall  please 
the  Lord  to  dispose  and  incline  them,  they  may  be  of 
service  therein  to  the  church.  Instances  have  not  been 
wanting  in  the  earlier  and  later  history  of  this  Society, 
when  such  gifts  and  acquirements  have  been  sanctified,  in 
some  of  our  om^u  members,  and  they  have  thereby  become 
serviceable  instruments  in  their  Master's  hand. 


BOOKS. 


Books  may  ho  regarded  as  companions,  Avhich  insensibly 
infuse  somewhat  of  their  spirit  and  character  into  those 
who  converse  with  them.  It  behooves  us  to  exercise  a 
sound  discretion  as  to  what  publications  we  admit  into  our 
houses  ;  that  neither  we  nor  our  children  may  be  hurt  by 
that  reading  which  would  have  a  direct,  or  even  a  remote 
tendency  to  leaven  our  minds  into  the  spirit  of  the  world, 
and  to  imfit  us  for  the  sober  duties  of  life.  The  books 
which  we  introduce  to  the  young  require  careful  selection  ; 
they  may  give  a  bias  to  the  mind,  and  materially  influence 

K 


42  CIIKKSTIAN    riiACTICE.  [Cluip.  II. 

the  fiitiiro  character.  Some,  we  fear,  find  access  to  our 
families,  which  arc  calculated  to  give  false  views  of  real 
life,  and  to  lower  that  standard  of  morals  which  Christian- 
ity upholds  ;  and  others,  though  they  may  not  stimulate 
evil  passions,  arc  adapted  to  lessen  the  attachment  of  our 
youth  to  the  principles  of  their  education,  or  even  to  rob 
them  of  the  tenderness  of  their  consciences,  and  alienate 
them,  it  may  be,  by  slow  gradations,  from  the  fear  of  God. 
Wo  therefore  earnestly  exhort  all  parents,  heads  of 
families,  and  guardians  of  minors,  that  they  not  only  ab- 
stain from  such  reading  themselves,  but  that  they  prevent, 
as  much  as  in  them  lies,  their  children,  and  others  imder 
their  care  and  tuition,  from  having  or  reading  books  and 
papers  tending  to  weaken  their  confidence  in  the  Christian 
religion,  or  to  create  the  least  doubt  concerning  the  au- 
thenticity of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  or  of  those  saving  truths 
declared  in  them,  or  such  as  malign  our  religious  Society, 
or  distort  or  misrepresent  its  principles,  lest  their  minds 
should  be  poisoned  thereby,  and  a  foundation  be  laid  for 
great  evils.  And  it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  all  mem- 
bers of  our  religious  Society,  that  they  discourage  and  sup- 
press the  reading  of  pernicious  novels,  plays,  and  other  bad 
books.  And  printers  and  booksellers,  in  profession  with 
us,  are  cautioned  against  printing,  selling,  or  otherwise 
circulating;  such  books. 


PARENTS   AND   GUARDIANS. 

Parents,  heads  of  families,  and  all  who  have  the  care  of 
the  young,  are  earnestly  entreated  that  you  diligently  lay 
to  heart  your  work  and  calling  for  the  Lord,  and  the 
charge  committed  to  you,  not  only  in  being  good  examples 
to  the  young,  but  also  that  you  use  your  power  in  your 
own  families,  in  educating  your  children  and  wards  in 


Chap.  II.]      PARENTS  AND  GUARDIANS.  43 

modesty,  sobriety,  and  the  fear  of  God ;  and  that  you  fre- 
quently put  in  practice  the  calling  together  of  your  children 
and  households,  to  wait  upon  the  Lord  in  your  families ; 
that,  receiving  wisdom  and  counsel  from  Him,  you  may  be 
enabled  seasonably  to  exhort  and  encourage  them  to  walk 
in  the  way  of  the  Lord  ;  to  be  diligent  in  reading  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  and  in  observing  the  duties  and  precepts  of 
holy  living  therein  recommended ;  admonishing  them  to 
keep  to  that  plainness  and  simplicity  in  apparel,  speech, 
and  behavior,  which  the  Spirit  of  Truth  leads  into,  and 
which  becomes  the  humble,  self-denying  followers  of 
Jesus ;  and  may  you  also  encourage  them  in  the  constant 
attendance  of  meetings  for  public  worship. 

In  the  earlier  periods  of  life,  much  of  the  care  of  chil- 
dren rests  upon  mothers.  To  them  the  precious  infant  is 
committed,  with  the  implied  charge  on  behalf  of  its 
Heavenly  Parent,  — "  Take  this  child  and  nurse  it  for 
Me,"  —  and  we  desire  that  in  all  cases  their  pious  endeav- 
ors may  be  strengthened  by  the  co-operation  of  the  fathers. 
The  youthful  mind  is  very  soon  susceptible  of  serious  im- 
pressions, and  we  believe  that  if  parents  are  careful  to 
watch  the  most  favorable  opportunities,  they  may  instil 
religious  truths,  lay  a  foundation  for  correct  principles, 
and  give  a  right  bias  to  the  aflections,  which  may  be 
greatly  blessed  at  a  future  day.  The  safe  ground  on 
which  parents  can  proceed  is,  so  to  live  and  so  to  wait 
before  the  Throne  of  Grace,  as  to  be  enabled  to  pour  forth 
their  earnest  prayers  for  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High. 

How  solemn  are  the  responsibilities  thus  involved,  and 
how  needful  that  the  parental  obligations  should  not  be 
put  aside  nor  turned  away  from,  under  any  feeling  of  dis- 
couragement or  want  of  qualification  !  It  is  not  on  the 
highly  gifted  parent  alone  that  the  duty  is  imposed  of 
training  up  his  children  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  the   Holy  Scriptures ;   it  is   a  charge  laid 


44  CHRISTIAN    I'KACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

upon  every  parent ;  and  the  sense  of  our  own  insufficiency, 
however  deeply  felt,  will  prove  no  valid  plea  for  neglect, 
when  wc  are  called  to  account  for  the  trust  committed  to 
our  keeping.  Let  none,  whilst  endeavoring,  with  single 
minded  earnestness  and  in  reliance  upon  higher  aid,  to 
discharge  this  duty,  doubt  that  ability  will  be  granted  to 
them ;  let  them  rather  believe  that  they  will  reap  the  re- 
ward of  their  eflbrts  in  a  blessing  upon  their  children  and 
upon  themselves.  The  endearing  relation  which  subsists 
between  parents  and  their  oifspriug,  ought  surely  to  awak- 
en in  the  hearts  of  the  former,  earnest  breathings  of  spirit, 
that  they  may  be  helped  to  train  their  children,  even  from 
very  early  years,  in  tenderness  of  conscience,  in  obedience 
to  the  restraints  and  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  in 
the  love  of  Christ  our  Saviour. 

We  aflectionately  exhort  all  who  have  the  car6  of  chil- 
dren and  young  persons,  constantly  to  bear  in  remem- 
brance the  great  value  of  a  tender  conscience  ;  and  to  turn 
their  attention  to  the  secret  instructions  of  Divine  Grace, 
reproving  for  evil,  and  bringing  peace  for  doing  w^ell.  Be 
concerned,  dear  friends  of  this  class,  that  the  wills  of 
those  intrusted  to  your  charge,  become  subjected  to  the 
Divine  will  in  early  life  ;  encourage  them  to  fix  their  aflec- 
tions  on  things  which  are  eternal ;  set  before  them  the 
necessity  of  being  converted  from  the  evil  of  their  own 
hearts,  and  kept  clean  from  the  sin  which  abounds  in  the 
world ;  impress  them  with  a  sense  of  the  holiness  and 
purity  of  God,  and  of  His  righteous  Law ;  instruct  them 
in  the  invaluable  truths  of  the  Bible,  and  lead  them  to 
seek  after  the  practical  application  of  its  precepts  and 
doctrines,  under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Friends,  in  every  situation  in  life,  are  advised  to  take 
due  care  to  bring  up  their  children  in  some  useful  and 
necessary  employments,  that  they  may  not  spend  their 
precious  time  in  idleness,  which  is  of  evil  example  and 


Chap.  II.]      COUNSEL  TO  THE  YOUNG.  45 

tends  much  to  their  hurt ;  and  uot  to  suffer  their  substance 
to  be  bestowed  upon  them,  to  furnish  such  things  as  tend 
to  pride,  and  to  lift  them  up  in  vanity,  or  affect  them  with 
the  vain  fashions  of  the  world. 


COUNSEL   TO    THE   YOUNG. 

For  you,  dear  young  friends,  the  objects  of  our  sympa- 
thy and  love,  we  would  express  our  strong  desire,  our 
fervent  prayer,  that  the  ever-watchful  care  of  the  Heaven- 
ly Shepherd  may  be  over  you  for  good.  Yours  is  a  period 
of  life  beset,  with  many  and  strong  temptations.  Even  in 
the  most  favored  allotment  there  are  snares  both  secretly 
and  more  openly  laid  for  your  feet.  Oh  that  we  could 
prevail  with  you  all  to  come  unto  Christ,  to  confide  in  him 
as  your  Saviour,  and  to  take  his  yoke  upon  you. 

If  happily  your  hearts  have  been  made  tender  before 
the  Lord,  and  you  know  what  it  is  for  the  hand  of  God  to 
be  upon  you,  be  careful  that  you  never  resist  the  working 
of  his  power ;  be  frequent  in  presenting  yourselves  before 
the  Lord ;  commune  with  your  own  hearts ;  do  not  wait 
too  long  for  miraculous  impressions  of  duty,  but  watch  for 
the  gentlest  intimations  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  and,  in  what- 
ever acts  of  dedication  He  may  call  for  the  acknowledg- 
ment of  your  love  and  allegiance,  give  yourselves  up  to 
his  service  with  a  willing  and  a  ready  mind.  Think  on 
the  Ijlessing  pronounced  upon  the  pure  in  heart ;  ask  of 
God  that  He  will  keep  you  from  evil  thoughts  and  wrong 
imaginations,  that  in  your  intercourse  with  the  world  and 
one  with  another,  in  your  words  and  all  your  conversa- 
tion, you  may  be  blameless  and  harmless. 

Give  a  portion  of  each  day  to  reading  and  meditating 
upon  the  sacred  volume  in  private,  steadily  directing  your 
minds  to  Him  who  alone  can  ojjen  and  apply  the  Scri[)turcs 


46  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

to  our  spiritual  benefit.  In  these  seasons  of  retirement, 
enter  into  a  close  examination  of  the  state  of  your  own 
hearts,  and,  as  you  may  be  enabled,  pray  to  the  Almighty 
for  preservation  from  the  temptations  with  which  you  are 
encompassed.  And  here  we  would  especially  commend 
to  you  the  duty  and  the  real  necessity  of  prayer.  Be  not 
discouraged  at  the  coldness  which  you  may  find,  and 
lament  in  your  own  hearts.  The  warm  glow  of  devotion 
is  not  at  our  own  control,  but  God,  who  looks  into  the 
heart,  will  see  there  the  real  desire  to  love  Him  and  to 
serve  Him,  and  as  we  persevere,  we  believe  our  Father  in 
Heaven  will  mercifully  help  our  weakness,  and  grant  us 
the  warming  influence  of  his  grace. 

Be  very  careful,  we  beseech  you,  not  to  read  publica- 
tions of  an  irreligious  or  immoral  tendency,  or  which 
openly  or  indirectly  inculcate  views  which  would,  in  the 
least  degree,  weaken  your  faith  in  the  mysterious  but 
sacred  and  all-important  doctrines  of  that  salvation  which 
is  in  Christ.  Feeling  your  own  weakness,  and  the  limited 
powers  of  the  human  intellect,  may  you  accept  these  doc- 
trines in  reverence  of  soul,  in  simplicity,  and  in  godly 
sincerity.  Pray  that  you  may  be  kept  in  that  humble, 
dependent  state  of  mind  in  which  the  Lord,  by  his  Sjiirit, 
often  gradually  unfolds  the  deep  things  of  his  kingdom, 
and  grants  a  holy  faith  in  the  experience  of  their  reality. 

Let  not  pleasure,  profit,  or  advancement  in  life,  how- 
ever allowable  these  may  be,  take  the  first  place  in  your 
desires,  but  guard  in  an  especial  manner  against  the  first 
sacrifices  of  duty  to  inclination.  If  you  check  improper 
or  wrong  desires  in  their  infancy,  your  victory  over  future 
temptations  will  be  the  more  easy,  and  through  faith  in 
Him  that  hath  loved  us,  and  hath  overcome,  you  will  in 
time  be  more  than  conquerors ;  but,  if  you  shrink  from 
the  conflict,  or  resign  the  victory  to  the  tempter,  you  will 
be  despoiled  of  the  armor  designed  to  preserve  you  in 


Chap.  II.]       COUNSEL  TO  THE  YOUNG.  47 

future  assaults  ;  each  effort  will  be  more  and  more  difficult, 
yuud  it  may  be  that  you  will  unhappily  feel  yourselves 
unable  to  resist,  in  your  further  progress  through  life, 
temptations  which,  in  the  fresh  morning  of  your  day,  you 
would  have  held  in  abhorrence.  Cherish  carefully,  as  a 
priceless  treasure,  this  youthful  tenderness  of  conscience. 
We  earnestly  desire  that  you  may  all  not  only  be  pro- 
fessors with  us,  but,  by  obedience  to  the  spirit  of  Christ, 
become  real  possessors  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  We 
are  persuaded  that  in  the  eyes  of  many  amongst  you,  the 
cause  of  religion  has  indeed  appeared  lovely.  Why,  then, 
is  there  not  a  full  surrender  to  its  power  and  to  its  convic- 
tions? "The  Lord  loveth  an  early  sacrifice."  A  sacrifice 
of  what?  Nothing,  be  assured,  that  will  not  in  the  end 
prove  hurtful  to  your  best  interests.  We  fear  that  the 
difficulties  of  entering  upon  a  religious  life  have  been 
mao-nified.  Many  a  susceptible  young  heart,  touched  with 
a  sense  of  the  Saviour's  love,  feels  drawn  towards  Him, 
but  fears  lest  if  it  once  yield  itself  up  to  Him,  some  great 
sacrifice  will  be  required  that  it  will  not  be  enabled  to 
make  ;  some  painful  eftbrt,  it  knows  not  what,  that  there 
will  be  no  strength  to  meet.  But  these  anxieties  are 
groundless.  "  Fear  not ! "  "  It  is  your  Father's  good 
pleasure  to  give  you  the  kiugdom."  And  if  such  be  his 
gracious  design,  can  joii  not  believe  that  He  will  him- 
self kindly  and  gently  lead  you  in  the  way  to  the  king- 
dom? His  promise  is  sure,  —  "  They  that  seek  me  early 
shall  find  me."  Ilis  service  is  a  service  of  love.  He  has 
himself  declared,  "My  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  burden  is 
light."  He  stands  at  the  door  of  every  heart,  knocking 
for  admittance.  Oh,  that  none  of  you  may  be  so  unwise 
as  to  keep  Him  out  by  indiU'ercncc  or  lukewarmncss,  or 
l)y  too  engrossing  a  love  of  the  things  of  this  life,  forget- 
ting the  Giver  in  the  enjoyment  of  his  numberless  gifts, 
but  that  you  may  open  your  hearts  unreservedly  to  the 


48  CHRISTIAN  riiACTicE.  [Chap.  II. 

gentle  iuflueuces  of  his  pure  spirit.  Trust  in  Him  with 
simple,  childlike  faith,  and  then  you  will  know  of  the» 
blessedness  and  peace  there  is  in  serving  Him,  and  of 
iinding  your  oAvn  Avills  to  be  not  only  in  subjection  to,  but 
in  harmony  with  the  Divine  will.  Then  "  hard  things  will 
1)0  made  easy  and  bitter  things  sweet,"  and  in  the  hour  of 
trial  and  temptation  you  will  know  that  you  have  a  friend 
on  whom  you  can  rely  with  confidence  and. safety,  "Who 
was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin," 
and  who  knows  and  can  help  us  in  all  our  sorrows  and 
Aveaknesses,  "for  in  that  He  himself  hath  suffered,  being 
tempted.  He  is  able  to  succor  them  that  are  tempted." 

We  tenderly  sympathize  with  those  of  you  who  feel 
that  you  are,  as  it  were,  passing  through  the  wilderness, 
and  whose  souls  are  often  discouraged  because  of  the  way. 
To  the  young  disciple,  the  conflict  is  at  times  severe. 
Temptation  is  strong,  whilst  the  heart  is  weak ;  trem- 
blingly halting  between  Christ  and  the  world.  In  straits 
such  as  these,  may  you  never  yield  to  the  suggestions  of 
the  tempter.  Consult  not  how  far  j^ou  may  safely  indulge 
yourselves,  or  how  nearly  you  may  approximate  to  the 
ways  and  habits  of  the  world.  Be  in  earnest  to  realize  a 
yet  closer  and  more  dependent  walk  Avith  God.  The  faith 
that  leads  you  unto  Christ  will,  as  it  is  exercised,  give  you 
the  victory  through  Him.  May  you  more  and  more  feel 
that  you  are  not  your  own ;  that  you  are  bought  with  a 
price.  Where  much  is  given,  there,  in  the  great  day  of 
final  account,  wdll  much  be  required.  May  all  your  tal- 
ents be  freely  ofi"ered  unto  the  Lord,  and  consecrated  to 
his  blessed  service.  There,  you  will  find  true  liberty,  and 
abundant  scope  for  the  right  employment  of  every  talent, 
and  in  the  enjoyment  of  his  love  your  cup  will  overflow 
with  blessing  and  praise.  We  desire  that  as  you  grow  in 
Christian  experience  and  attainment,  you  will  gladly  and 
cheerfully  exercise  all  those  gifts  which  it  may  please  the 


Chap,  n.]     ADVICE  IN  RELATION  TO  MAERIAGE.  49 

Lord  in  his  mercy  to  bestow  upon  you,  to  your  own  com- 
fort, to  the  help  of  the  church,  to  the  relief  and  uplifting 
of  suffering  humanity,  and  to  the  praise  of  his  great  and 
worthy  name.  The  prize  is  before  you  ;  it  is  a  prize  not 
of  earth,  but  of  heaven ;  not  a  corruptible  crown,  but  an 
incorruptible.  It  is  to  be  obtained  not  without  eflbrt,  but 
through  the  exercise  of  faith,  hope,  and  love.  Remember 
that  to  her  who  loved  much,  much  was  forgiven.  Press 
on  towards  this  prize,  we  entreat  you.  Shrink  not  from 
the  warfare ;  so  shall  the  crown  immortal  be  yours ;  so 
shall  you  forever  rejoice  in  God,  your  Saviour,  and  adore 
his  abundant  mercy  who  hath  prepared  for  those  that  love 
Him  "an  inheritance,  incorruptible,  undefiled,  and  that 
fadeth  not  away." 


ADVICE   IN   RELATION   TO   MARRIAGE. 

Marriage,  being  a  Divine  ordinance,  and  closely  con- 
nected with  the  temporal  and  spiritual  condition  of  man, 
we  earnestly  desire  that  in  the  choice  of  companions  for 
life,  all  may  seek  unto  the  Lord  for  his  guidance ;  not 
allowing  any  mere  exterior  advantages  to  be  the  primary 
motive  in  this  engagement ;  ever  bearing  in  mind  that  an 
accordance  in  religious  principles  is  essential  to  the  per- 
fcctness  of  such  a  union. 

Parents  are  advised  to  exercise  a  religious  care  in 
watching  over  their  children,  and  to  endeavor  to  guard 
them  against  improper  connections  in  marriage  ;  and  that 
they  be  joined  Avith  persons  of  religious  inclinations,  suit- 
able dispositions,  and  diligence  in  their  business.  It  is 
particularly  recommended  to  all  parents,  to  endeavor  to 
cultivate  such  habits  of  confidence,  and  freedom  in  the 
truth,  with  their  children,  as  may  render  it  easy  for  them 
early  to  consult  their  parents,  on  a  subject  of  such  im- 
portance. 

a 


50  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

And,  seeing  that  the  real  enjoyment  of  life  is  far  more 
etTectiially  secured  by  contentment,  with  simple  habits, 
than  by  an  appearance  or  mode  of  living  which  entails 
anxiety,  or  risk,  we  would  strongly  advise  parents,  whilst 
they  exercise  a  prudent  care  over  the  interests  of  their 
children,  not  to  be  unduly  anxious  to  secure  worldly  ad- 
vantages for  them,  on  entering  the  marriage  state.  We 
would  also  afiectionately  encourage  our  younger  members, 
when  looking  towards  this  most  important  step,  to  be 
satisfied  to  set  out  in  life,  in  a  manner  befitting  their  cir- 
cumstances, instead  of  seeking  to  imitate,  in  their  style 
of  living,  the  example  of  those  who  possess  larger  re- 
sources. They  would,  thus,  on  the  one  hand,  avoid  the 
necessity  of  unduly  deferring  their  union,  and,  on  the 
other,  be  less  exposed  to  the  temptation  of  launching  into 
business  beyond  their  means. 

We  desire  that  the  solemnization  of  marriage  may  in 
all  cases  be  conducted  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in 
humble  dependence  on  his  blessing,  and  that  in  the  details 
of  these  highly  interesting  occasions,  our  principles  with 
regard  to  display  be  observed ;  and,  while  the  proceedings 
of  the  marriage  day  may  naturally  be  characterized  by 
cheerful  enjoyment,  that  those  concerned  may  never  pass 
the  boundary  line  of  Christian  simplicity  and  moderation. 

It  is  further  advised,  that,  after  parents  and  guardians 
have  sufi*ered  their  children  to  engage  one  another's  afiec- 
tions,  they  do  not  break  off  such  engagement  upon  any 
mere  worldly  account,  and  that  they  wait  upon  and  seek 
the  Lord  for  their  children,  in  proposals  of  marriage, 
before  they  give  any  encouragement  thereunto. 

We  strongly  recommend  Friends  to  avoid  and  discoun- 
tenance very  early  proceedings  in  regard  to  marriage,  after 
the  death  of  husband  or  wife ;  regarding  such  conduct  as 
tending  to  the  dishonor  and  reproach  of  our  Christian 
profession. 


Chap.  II.]  51 

ADVICE    RELATING    TO    TEMPORAL    AFFAIRS. 

Let  friends  and  brethren,  in  their  respective  meetings, 
watch  over  one  another  in  the  love  of  God  and  with 
Christian  care  ;  particularly  admonishing  that  none  trade 
beyond  their  ability  to  manage  honorably ;  that  they 
use  few  words  in  their  dealings  ;  and  keep  their  word  in 
all  things,  lest  they  bring,  through  their  forwardness,  dis- 
honor to  the  precious  truth  of  God. 

It  is  advised,  that  the  payment  of  just  debts  be  not  de- 
layed beyond  the  time  promised  and  agreed  upon ;  nor 
occasion  of  complaint  be  given  to  those  who  are  dealt 
with,  by  backwardness  of  payment,  wdien  no  time  is 
limited. 

And  we  advise  and  counsel  all  Friends,  for  their  own 
good,  that  they  keep  to  such  lawful  and  honest  employ- 
ments, for  a  necessary  support  of  themselves  and  their 
families,  as  they  well  understand  and  are  able  to  manage  ; 
and  that  they  be  very  careful  to  avoid  all  inordinate  pur- 
suit after  the  things  of  this  world,  "by  such  ways  and 
means  as  depend  too  much  upon  the  uncertain  probabili- 
ties of  hazardous  enteri:>rises ;  but  that  they  rather  labor 
to  content  themselves  with  such  a  plain  way  of  living,  as 
is  most  agreeable  to  the  self-denying  principle  of  truth 
which  we  profess,  and  which  is  most  conducive  to  that 
tranquillity  of  mind  that  is  requisite  to  a  religious  conduct. 

"We  would  caution  every  individual  against  imprudently 
entering  into  joint  securities  with  others ;  and  earnestly 
desire  that  Friends  keep  strictly  on  their  guard,  that  none, 
through  any  specious  pretences  of  rendering  acts  of  friend- 
ship to  any,  with  safety  to  themselves,  may  risk  their  own 
peace  and  reputation,  and  the  security  of  their  families,  by 
disregarding  the  salutary  advice  of  the  wise  man,  "Be 
not  thou  one  of  them  that  strike  hands,  or  of  them  that 
are  sureties  for  debts." 


52  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  ll. 

It  is  earnestly  recommended,  that  Friends  frequently  in- 
spect the  state  of  their  affairs,  and  promptly  settle  their 
accounts ;  and,  when  any  find  themselves  unable  to  pay 
their  just  debts,  or  have  not  more  than  sufficient  to  pay 
them,  that  they  immediately  disclose  their  circumstances 
to  the  overseers  or  other  judicious  Friends,  and  to  their 
principal  creditors,  and  take  their  advice  how  to  act ;  and 
be  particularly  careful  not  to  pay  one  creditor  in  prefer- 
ence to  another. 

If  any  fall  short  of  paying  their  just  debts,  and.  an  ar- 
rangement be  made  with  their  creditors,  to  accept  a  part 
instead  of  the  whole,  notwithstanding  the  parties  may 
look  upon  themselves  as  legally  discharged  of  any  obligation 
to  pay  the  remainder,  yet  the  principle  of  universal  right- 
eousness enjoins  full  satisfaction  to  be  made,  if  ever  the 
debtors  are  able  to  do  it.  And,  in  order  that  such  may 
the  better  retrieve  their  circumstances,  we  exhort  them  to 
adopt  a  manner  of  living  in  every  respect  the  most  condu- 
cive to  this  purpose. 

Those  who,  whilst  honestly  and  diligently  endeavoring 
to  provide  for  their  families,  have  to  encounter  many  diffi- 
culties, have  a  strong  claim  on  the  sympathy  of  their  ^ 
Friends  ;  yet  they  need  not  fear,  as  tbey  continue  to  place 
their  whole  trust  in  our  Heavenly  Father,  but  that  He  will 
care  for  them  in  such  way  as  He  sees  meet.  But  if  any, 
whether  of  the  more  affluent,  or  of  those  Avho  cannot  be 
ranked  in  this  class,  are  deviating  from  safe  and  regular 
methods  of  business,  if  they  are  carried  away  by  uncertain 
and  hazardous,  though  plausible,  schemes  for  getting  rich, 
if  they  yield  to  a  desire  rapidly  to  enlarge  their  posses- 
sions—  such  are  in  imminent  danger.  They  cannot  justly 
expect  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High  on  such  pursuits ; 
their  spiritual  eye  becomes  dim ;  and  they  do  not  perceive 
with  clearness  that  light  which  would  enable  them  to  per- 
fect holiness  in  the  fear  of  God. 


Chap,  n.]  ADVICE  RELATING  TO  TEMPORAL  AFFAIRS.  53 

We  would  tenderly  advise  those  who  may  have  acquired 
a  competency  of  outward  substance,  to  watch  the  proper 
period  at  which  they  may  withdraw  from  the  cares  of  busi- 
ness, and  when  disengaged  from  the  regular  concerns  of 
trade,  or  other  occupations,  to  beware  how  they  employ 
their  property  in  investments  which  may  involve  them 
anew  in  care  and  anxiety.  We  affectionately  desire  that 
neither  these  nor  other  cares  may  disqualify  them  from 
acting  the  part  of  faithful  stewards,  in  the  employment  of 
their  time,  their  talents,  and  their  substance  ;  or,  from  be- 
ing concerned,  above  all  things,  through  Avatchfulness  unto 
prayer,  to  have  their  lamps  trimmed  and  oil  in  their  ves- 
sels, that,  when  the  solemn  close  of  life  shall  come,  they 
may,  through  redeeming  love  and  mercj',  be  prepared  to 
enter  into  the  joy  of  their  Lord. 

Our  brethren  who  are  employed  in  the  various  active 
pursuits  of  life  claim  our  sympathy.  Those  engaged  in 
trade,  especially,  are  at  times  exposed  to  close  competition, 
and  to  the  temptation  to  pursue  their  own  interest  in  a 
way  inconsistent  with  true  justice  in  dealing.  They  may 
be  much  tried  by  the  small  profits  often  resulting  from  a 
course  of  honest  industry  and  diligent  attention  to  busi- 
ness ;  but  it  should  never  be  forgotten  that  there  is  a  ster- 
ling integrity  which  the  christian  should  always  maintain  ; 
that  there  is  a  standard  set  before  him  in  the  New  Testa-' 
ment  which  he  should  always  keep  in  view. 

Knowing  how  suddenly  many  are  removed  by  death,  it 
is  recommended  that  care  be  taken  that  Friends  who  have 
estates  to  dispose  of,  by  will  or  otherwise,  be  advised  to 
make  their  wills  in  time  of  health  and  strength  of  judg- 
ment;  to  prevent  the  inconveniences,  loss,  and  trou1)lc, 
that  may  fall  upon  their  relations  and  friends,  througli 
their  dying  intestate.  Making  such  wills  in  due  time,  can 
shorten  no  man's  days,  but  the  omission  or  delay  thereof 
lias  proved  very  injurious  to  many. 


54  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

It  is  recommended  that  Friends  who  have  young  chil- 
dren do  desio-natc  in  their  wills  faithful  Friends  to  be  their 
guardians.  It  is  also  advised  that,  in  making  their  wills, 
they  have  a  strict  regard  to  justice  and  equity,  and  be  not 
actuated  by  caprice  or  prejudice,  to  the  injury  of  those 
who  may  from  their  kindred  and  near  connection,  have  a 
reasonable  expectation ;  nor  (although  occasion  may  have 
been  given  or  taken)  carry  any  resentment  to  the  end  of 
life ;  remembering  that  we  all  stand  in  need  of  mercy  and 
forgiveness. 

Friends  are  earnestly  recommended  to  employ  persons 
of  competent  legal  ability  and  of  good  repute,  to  write 
their  wills ;  as  great  inconvenience  and  loss,  and  some- 
times the  pecuniary  ruin  of  ftmiilies,  have  happened 
through  the  unskillfulness  of  some  who  have  taken  upon 
them  to  prepare  wills.  And  all  Friends  who  may  become 
executors  or  administrators  are  advised  to  proceed  Avithout 
unnecessary  delay,  to  take  all  the  legal  measures  which 
the  duties  and  obligations  they  have  assumed  may  require. 


AMUSEMENTS   AND   RECREATIONS. 

Parents,  and  all  others,  upon  whom  the  training  of 
children  devolves,  should  be  careful  to  provide  such  at- 
tractive employment,  and  means  of  healthful  and  innocent 
recreation,  for  the  leisure  hours  of  those  under  their 
charge,  in  the  intervals  of  study  and  other  daily  duties, 
as  become  rational  and  immortal  beings,  accountable  to 
the  Great  Giver  for  the  employment  of  every  moment  of 
time,  and  such  as  shall,  by  making  home  more  attractive, 
remove  from  them,  as  far  as  possible,  any  temptation  to 
indulge  in  the  popular,  and  too  frequently  injurious  amuse- 
ments and  diversions  of  the  day.     There  are  recreations, 


Chap.  II.]       AMUSEMENTS    AND   RECREATIONS.  55 

in  the  eujoyment  of  rural  life  and  scenery,  in  the  society 
of  well  chosen  associates,  in  examinino:  the  works  of  ore- 
ation,  and  in  the  pursuits  of  literature,  science,  and  natural 
history,  which  are  full  of  interest,  and  tend  to  improve 
the  mental  and  moral  faculties  ;  and  there  are  occupations 
for  the  young,  in  relieving  the  distressed  and  in  caring  in 
many  ways  for  the  neglected  and  destitute,  which  encour- 
age their  sympathies,  enlarge  their  Christian  interests,  and 
prepare  them  for  future  usefulness  in  the  church  and  in 
the  world. 

As  our  time  passeth  swiftly  away,  and  our  delight  ought 
to  be  in  the  law  of  the  Lord ;  it  is  advised  that  a  watchful 
care  be  exercised  over  our  youth,  to  prevent  their  going 
to  stage-plays,  horse-races,  entertainments  of  music  and 
dancing,  or  any  such  vain  sports  and  pastimes,  and  being 
concerned  in  lotteries,  wagering,  or  other  species  of 
gfaminof. 

It  is  our  conviction,  that  as  the  mind  is  renewed  by 
Divine  grace,  all  these  vain  amusements  will  seem  in- 
consistent with  the  restraints  of  the  gospel,  and  incom- 
patible with  that  quietness  and  peace  of  mind  Avhich  are 
the  portion  of  the  watchfid  christian.  The  life  of  the 
christian  is  not  a  dull  and  cheerless  existence,  —  there 
are  no  joys  here  below,  to  be  compared  with  those  of 
the  renewed  soul,  in  the  faithful  service  of  the  Lord. 
As  the  heart  becomes  truly  given  up  to  the  love  of 
Christ,  the  services  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion,  the 
improvement  of  the  mind,  and  the  varied  duties  which  wo 
owe  to  our  fellow-men,  Avill  be  found  abundantly  sufficient 
to  employ  the  energies  of  the  soul ;  while  the  sweet  conso- 
lations of  the  Holy  Spirit  will  give  far  truer  and  more 
abiding  refreshment  than  any  mere  gratification  of  taste 
or  sense  can  afford.  It  is  not,  then,  for  the  diminution, 
but  for  the  increase  of  their  happiness,  that  we  would  af- 
fectionately invite  our  dear  friends  to  submit  all  their  pur- 


56  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

suits,  cveu  those  which  may  be  intended  as  recreations,  to 
tlie  restraints  and  government  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  As 
this  is  the  case,  the  various  duties  and  enjoyments  of  the 
present  life  will  be  placed  in  their  true  relation  to  the  life 
to  come.  The  occupation  of  our  leisure  hours,  and,  with 
many,  these  make  up  a  large  amount  in  the  sum  of  their 
responsibilities,  our  associations,  our  reading,  all  our  va- 
ried engagements  of  a  social  or  more  public  nature,  Avill 
be  baptized  into  the  Christian  spirit. 

To  look  upon  this  life  as  the  training-school  for  heaven, 
is  at  once  the  christian's  duty  and  consolation.  The  sense 
of  his  responsibilities  and  dangers  is  too  strong  to  allow 
him  to  court  temptation.  He  has  no  time  to  squander 
upon  trifles.  His  renewed  tastes  have  no  relish  for  vain 
or  frivolous  pursuits.  He  asks  not  how  near  he  can  ap- 
proach, without  danger,  to  the  gaieties  and  amusements  of 
the  world,  but  rather  seeks  to  know  how  closely  he  can 
follow  that  Saviour,  by  Avhom  the  world  is  crucified  unto 
him  and  he  unto  the  world. 


ON     THE     RIGHT     OCCUPATION     OF     THE    FIRST    DAY    OF    THE 

WEEK, 

We  believe,  from  the  evidence  of  Holy  Scripture,  that 
it  is  a  duty  enjoined  upon  man  by  his  Creator,  to  observe 
one  day  in  seven  as  a  day  of  rest,  to  be  especially  devoted 
to  religious  purposes.  We  therefore  regard  it  as  incum- 
bent on  us,  to  assemble  together  on  the  first  day  of  the 
week,  for  the  public  worship  of  our  Father  in  Heaven, 
and  for  an  open  acknowledgment  of  our  allegiance  to  Him. 
This  we  believe  to  be  in  accordance  with  the  practice  of 
the  apostles  and  early  christians,  who  met  together   on 


Chap.  II.]     EIGHT   OCCUPATION  OF  FIEST-DAY.  57" 

this  day  in  the  name  of  their  risen  Lord  ;  and  we  esteem 
it  no  small  privilege  to  live  in  a  community  where  this 
religious  duty  is  recognized.  And,  while  the  remem- 
brance of  our  Creator,  and  of  our  ol)ligation  to  Him, 
should  at  all  times  be  present  with  us,  it  is  our  concern 
that  the  day  more  particularly  devoted  to  public  worship 
may  be  rightly  observed. 

May  we  also  seriously  examine,  whether  the  mode  of 
spending  that  portion  of  the  day,  not  occupied  with  the 
attendance  of  our  religious  meetings,  is  such  as  is  likely  to 
contribute  to  the  eternal  interests  of  the  soul ;  or  whether 
the  character  of  our  pursuits,  and  even  of  our  conversa- 
tion, is  not  such  as  shall  tend  to  dissipate  any  religious 
impressions  which  we  may  have  received.  Many  have 
derived  great  increase  of  spiritual  strength,  both  on  this 
and  on  other  days,  from  private  devotional  retirement, 
from  reading  the  lives  and  experience  of  the  Lord's  faith- 
ful servants,  and  from  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures,  with 
minds  turned  to  their  Divine  Author,  in  desire  that  He 
would  bless  them  to  their  comfort  and  edification. 

"We  earnestly  recommend  to  Friends,  on  this  day  of  the 
week,  to  assemble  their  households  for  the  reading  of  the 
Scriptures  and  for  waiting  upon  the  Lord,  —  a  practice  to 
which  we  wish  particularly  to  call  the  attention  of  those 
who  live  in  remote  and  secluded  situations.  And  to  all 
Friends,  who,  either  as  parents  or  guardians,  are  intrusted 
with  the  training  of  children  and  youth,  we  would  urge 
that  a  portion  of  the  day  be  devoted  to  their  instruction 
in  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  and  especially,  that  these  should 
become  familiar  with  the  account  of  the  life  and  teachiu£rs 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  upon  earth ;  and  that  such  seek 
for  al)ility  to  teach  them  the  way  of  salvation  by  Him,  as 
recorded  in  the  Scriptures. 

And  we  desire  the  encouragement  of  those  of  our  mem- 
bers who  may  bo  drawn,  in  the  constraining  love  of  the 
u 


58  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

o-ospcl,  to  engage  in  the  responsible  work  of  Scriptural 
instruction,  cither  in  First-day  schools  among  ourselves, 
or  in  mission  schools  on  this  day  among  the  poorer  and 
less  favored  classes ;  and  may  such  prayerfully  seek  for 
opportunities  to  enter  upon  these  services  in  simple  de- 
pendence on  the  Divine  blessing. 


WAR. 


As  it  hath  pleased  the  Lord,  by  the  breaking  forth  of 
the  glorious  light  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  shedding  abroad 
of  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  gather  us  to  be  a  people,  to  his 
praise,  and  to  unite  us  in  love,  not  only  one  unto  another, 
but  to  the  whole  creation  of  God,  by  subjecting  us  to  the 
government  of  his  Son,  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  it  behooveth  us  to  hold  forth 
the  ensign  of  the  Lamb  of  God,  and,  by  our  patience  and 
peaceable  behavior,  to  show  that  we  walk  in  obedience  to 
the  example  and  precepts  of  our  Lord  and  Master,  who 
hath  commanded  us  to  love  our  enemies,  and  to  do  good 
to  them  even  that  hate  us.  Wherefore,  we  entreat  all  who 
profess  themselves  members  of  our  Society,  to  be  faithful 
to  that  ancient  testimony,  borne  by  us  ever  since  we  were 
a  people,  against  bearing  arms  and  fighting ;  that,  by  a 
conduct  agreeable  to  our  profession,  we  may  demonstrate 
ourselves  to  be  real  followers  of  the  Messiah,  the  peace- 
able Saviour,  of  the  increase  of  whose  government  and 
peace,  there  shall  be  no  end. 

This  Christian  and  truly  scriptural  testimony  against  all 
war,  is  as  precious  to  us  as  ever  it  was.  We  dare  not  be- 
lieve that  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  in  enjoining  the  love  of 
enemies  and  the  forgiving  of  injuries,  has  prescribed  a 
series  of  precepts  which  are  incapable  of  being  carried 
into  practice  ;  or  of  which  the  practice  is  to  be  postponed 


Chap.  II.]      SLAVERY  AND  OPPRESSION.  59 

till  all  shall  be  persuaded  to  act  iippn  them.  We  cannot 
doubt  that  they  are  incumbent  upon  the  Christian  now ; 
and  that  we  have,  in  the  prophetic  scriptures,  the  distinct 
intimation  of  their  direct  application,  not  only  to  individ- 
uals, but  to  nations  also. 

We  recommend  that  our  members,  consistently  with 
our  ancient  and  uniform  testimony,  refuse  the  payment  of 
all  taxes,  expressly  or  specially  for  the  support  of  war, 
whether  called  for  in  money,  provisions,  or  otherwise.  We 
also  advise  that  Friends  carefully  avoid  censuring  or  judg- 
ing each  other,  in  respect  to  the  paj^ment  or  non-payment 
of  any  mixed  taxes,  or  such  as  a  part  thereof  goes  to  the 
support  of  war,  and  a  part  for  civil  government. 


SLAVERY   AND    OPPRESSION. 

Notwithstanding  the  legal  forms  of  Slavery  in  this  nation 
have  been  abolished,  the  spirit  of  oppression  remains, 
and  the  rights  of  the  neglected  and  down-trodden  still  call 
for  the  guardian  care  of  the  philanthropist  and  the  Chris- 
tian. We  w^ould  therefore  encourage  our  members  to 
bear  them  and  their  wrongs  upon  their  hearts,  and  en- 
deavor to  improve  every  providential  opening  to  do  them 
good,  remembering  the  language  of  Him  who  has  watched 
over  and  done  so  much  for  us,  —  "  Inasmuch  as  ye  have 
done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these,  my  brethren,  ye 
have  done  it  unto  Me." 

The  testimony  which  the  Society  of  Friends  has  so  long 
borne  against  the  iniquitous  system  of  slavery,  has,  we 
humbly  trust,  been  blessed  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  and 
we  believe  it  right  to  record  our  thankfulness  that  our 
Holy  Head  led  us  in  this  way.  May  wc  be  encouraged  to 
follow  more  closely  the  guidance  of  His  Spirit,  embracing 
every  right  opening  for  service,  in  promoting  the  abolition 


60  CHRISTIAN  rRACTiCE.  [Chap.  II. 

of  slavery  and  the  slave  trade,  in  those  countries  where 
unhappily  it  still  exists,  and  also  in  healing  the  wounds, 
and  abating  the  injuries,  which  this  iniquitous  system  has 
produced,  wherever  it  has  prevailed,  removing,  as  far  as 
may  be,  the  ignorance,  immorality,  and  helplessness, 
which  have  followed  in  its  train. 

We  desire  that  the  aborigines  of  our  country  may  con- 
tinue to  receive,  not  only  the  sympathy,  but  the  Christian 
efforts  of  Friends,  to  secure  and  maintain  their  rights, 
both  civil  and  social.  May  all  our  efforts  for  the  help  and 
improvement  of  the  oppressed  and  unfortunate  everywhere, 
be  based  upon  the  conviction  that  they  are  not  only  mem- 
bers of  the  great  brotherhood  of  mankind,  but  are,  alike 
with  us,  the  objects  of  the  love  and  mercy  of  our  common 
Father,  and  heirs  of  the  promise  of  salvation  and  eternal 
life. 


OATHS. 


Our  Christian  testimony  should  be  faithfully  maintained 
against  the  burthen  and  imposition  of  oaths,  according  to 
the  express  prohibition  of  Christ,  "  Ye  have  heard  that  it 
hath  been  said  by  them  of  old  time,  thou  shalt  not  for- 
swear thyself,  but  shalt  perform  unto  the  Lord  thine  oaths  ; 
but  I  say  unto  you,  swear  not  at  all ;  neither  by  heaven, 
for  it  is  God's  throne  ;  nor  by  the  earth,  for  it  is  his  foot- 
stool ;  neither  by  Jerusalem,  for  it  is  the  city  of  the  great 
King ;  neither  shalt  thou  swear  by  thy  head,  because  thou 
canst  not  make  one  hair  white  or  black ;  but  let  your  com- 
munication be  yea,  yea ;  nay,  nay ;  for  whatsoever  is  more 
than  these  cometh  of  evil."  "But,"  says  the  apostle, 
"above  all  things,  my  brethren,  swear  not;  neither  by 
heaven,  neither  by  the  earth,  neither  by  any  other  oath; 
but  let  your  yea,  be  yea  ;  and  your  nay,  nay  ;  lest  ye  fall 


Chap.  II.]  ON  CIVIL   GOVERNMENT.  61 

into  condemnation."  Believing  therefore  as  we  do,  that 
no  argument  can  invalidate  a  prohibition  thus  clear  and 
positive,  we  are  bound  religiously  to  regard  it ;  and  whilst 
we  feel  gratitude  for  the  continuance  of  that  indulgence, 
by  which  our  affirmation  is  accepted,  let  us  evince  our  sin- 
cerity in  relation  to  this  testimony,  by  faithfully  maintain- 
ing it. 

We  entreat,  that,  when  any  Friend  has  occasion  to  make 
an  affirmation,  he  be  very  considerate,  and  sure  of  the  truth 
of  what  he  is  about  to  affirm,  remembering  that  the  com- 
mand, "Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness,"  is  as  binding 
as  "  Thou  shalt  not  swear ;  "  and  as  well  in  the  gospel  as 
in  the  law.  Also,  that  the  stretching  forth  the  hand  in 
token  of  appeal  to  the  Most  High  before  the  magistrate, 
forms  no  part  of  an  affirmation,  but  of  cm  oath.*  If  a 
due  sense  of  the  obligation  to  truth-speaking  adequately 
rests  upon  the  mind,  its  efiect  will  be  manifest,  even  in  the 
deportment  of  those  who  are  giving  evidence. 


ON   CIVIL   GOVERNMENT. 

It  is  our  principle,  and  hath -ever  been  our  practice,  to 
be  subject,  either  by  doing  or  sufleriug,  to  whatsoever  gov- 
ernment is  set  over  us.  We  have  ever  maintained  that  it 
is  our  duty  to  obey  all  the  enactments  of  civil  government, 
except  those  which  interfere  with  our  allegiance  to  God. 
We  owe  much  to  its  blessings  ;  through  it  we  enjoy  liberty 
and  protection,  in  connection  with  law  and  order;  and, 
whilst  bound  by  our  sense  of  religious  conviction  not  to 
comply  with  those  requisitions  which  violate  our  Christian 
principles,  we  desire  ever  to  be  found  of  those  who  are 

*  We  desire  that  onr  members  should  understand  that  no  magistrate  has  authority 
to  bid  a  Friend  to  hold  up  his  hand  in  administering  an  affirmation,  and  considering 
the  real  (liflcrcncc  between  an  oath  and  an  aflinnation,  that  no  Friend  can  consist- 
ently do  so. 


62  CHRiSTiiVN  PKACTiCE.  [Chap.  n. 

quiet  in  the  land  ;  a  condition  favorable  to  true  Christian 
patriotism,  and  in  which,  services  valuable  and  useful  may 
be  rendered  to  the  community. 

Liberty  of  conscience  being  the  common  right  of  all 
men,  and  particularly  essential  to  the  well  being  of  relig- 
ous  societies,  we  hold  it  to  be  incumbent  upon  us  to  main- 
tain it  inviolably  among  ourselves ;  and  therefore  exhort 
all  in  profession  with  us,  to  decline  the  acceptance  of  any 
office  or  station  in  civil  government,  the  duties  of  which 
are  inconsistent  with  our  religious  principles,  or,  in  the 
exercise  of  which,  they  may  be  under  the  necessity  of 
exacting  of  their  brethren  any  compliances  against  which 
we  are  conscientiously  scrupulous. 

Believing  that  we  are  called  to  show  forth  to  the  world, 
in  life  and  practice,  the  blessed  reign  of  the  Prince  of 
Peace,  we  cannot  consistently  join  with  such  as  form  com- 
binations of  a  hostile  nature  against  any ;  much  less  in 
opposition  to  those  placed  in  authority ;  nor  can  we  unite 
with  or  encourage  such  as  revile  or  asperse  them,  for  it  is 
written,  "Thou  shalt  not  speak  evil  of  the  ruler  of  thy 
people."     Acts,  xxiii.  5. 

In  fulfilling  the  duties  of  life,  when  occasions  occur  in 
which  we  may  consistently*  serve  the  community  in  a  civil 
capacity,  let  us  be  concerned  to  know  whether  it  is  right 
for  us  to  be  thus  engaged ;  and  be  watchful  that  such  un- 
dertakings do  not  mar  the  work  of  the  Lord  in  our  hearts, 
or  interfere  with  our  line  of  service  in  his  church.  The 
like  watchfulness  should  be  maintained,  when  taking  a 
public  part  with  others  in  associations  for  the  purpose  of 
lessening  the  mass  of  vice  and  misery  which  may  prevail 
around  us,  or  in  works  of  more  extended  philanthropy. 


Chap,  n.]    NATIONAL  FASTS  AND  REJOICINGS,  &C.  63 

NATIONAL   FASTS   AND   EEJOICINGS,  AND  WHAT   ARE    TERMED 
HOLY   DAYS. 

Believing  as  we  do  in  the  spirituality  and  freedom  of 
the  gospel,  and  that  the  worship  and  prayers  which  God 
accepts  are  such  only  as  are  produced  by  the  influence  and 
assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  we  cannot  consistently  unite 
with  any  in  the  observance  of  public  fasts,  feasts,  and 
what  are  termed  holy  days,  when  such  forms  are  devised 
by  man's  will  for  Divine  worship. 

In  accordance  with  our  Christian  testimony  against  war, 
we  refrain  from  the  custom  of  illuminating  our  houses,  or 
performing  any  act  as  a  token  of  joy  for  victories  obtained. 
And  we  believe  all  occasions  of  pul^lic  rejoicing  frequently 
lead  to  practices  inconsistent  with  that  meek  and  quiet 
spirit  which  should  clothe  the  disciple  of  Jesus,  and  prove 
an  inlet  to  excesses  which  estrange  the  mind  from  God. 
It  is  not  in  this  way  that  we  should  manifest  our  gratitude 
for  national  blessings,  but  by  endeavoring,  through  re- 
deeming love  and  power,  to  live  more  and  more  in  the 
spirit  of  the  gospel,  and  thus  to  hold  out  an  example  of 
genuine  Christian  conduct,  remembering  that  righteous- 
ness alone  exaltoth  a  nation. 

We  believe  that  at  times  the  Lord  is  pleased,  in  an  es- 
pecial manner,  to  visit  nations  by  his  judgments,  and  that 
they  call  for  deep  humiliation  before  Ilim,  and  for  that  re- 
pentance which  includes  a  real  turning  away  from  all  our 
evil  works.  This  was  the  great  feature  of  that  memorable 
fast  which  obtained  the  divine  favor  for  Nineveh,  after  the 
prophet  had  been  sent  to  pronounce  its  destruction.  The 
true  and  acceptable  fast  to  the  Lord  was  declared  by  the 
prophet  Isaiah  to  1)e,  not  the  bowing  of  the  head  for  a 
day,  but  the  right  performance  of  acts  of  justice  and 
mercy.  How  loudly  then  are  we,  as  Christians,  called 
upon  to  beware   of  depending  upon   any  temporary  or 


64  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

external  performances,  and  to  observe  that  daily  and  con- 
tinual fast,  which  consists  in  the  obedient  homage  of  the 
soul  to  its  Almighty  Creator  and  Eedeemer ! 

The  believers  in  Christ  are  spoken  of  as  a  royal  priest- 
hood. Under  the  new  covenant,  we  are  all  invited  to  the 
great  privilege  of  offering  "spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable 
to  God,  by  Jesus  Christ."  As  we  come  to  enjoy  this  priv- 
ilege, we  are  brought  not  to  depend  one  upon  another,  or 
upon  stated  performances  in  the  public  worship  of  God, 
and  are  confirmed  in  the  truth,  that  typical  rites  and  cere- 
monies are  no  part  of  the  scriptural  dispensation  under 
which  we  live. 

In  supporting  these  our  views  of  the  liberty  of  the 
gospel,  let  US  be  careful  to  prove,  by  t)ur  conduct  and 
conversation,  that  we  walk  in  the  fear  of  God,  w^ho  rules 
in  the  kingdoms  of  men,  and  are  engaged  to  serve  Him 
and  worship  Him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  And,  while  true 
to  our  own  convictions,  let  us  not  needlessly  wound  the 
feelings  of  others,  whose  views,  conscientiously  held,  lead 
them  into  observances  with  which  we  cannot  consistently 
unite.  May  we  cherish  that  true  love  of  our  country 
which  would  lead  us  frequently  to  the  Throne  of  Grace 
on  its  behalf,  that  so,  whilst  we  cannot  lift  up  the  sword 
in  its  defence,  our  prayers  and  intercessions  may  ascend 
availingly  to  Him,  in  whose  hand  is  the  prosperity  of 
nations. 

The  names  in  ordinary  use  of  the  days  of  the  week,  and 
of  most  of  the  months,  are  of  idolatrous  origin,  and  repug- 
nant to  the  Christian  testimony  borne  by  faithful  Friends, 
for  the  sake  of  which  they  patiently  endured  many  revil- 
ings.  Let  not  the  reproach  therefore  of  singularity  turn 
any  aside  from  denominatiiig  the  months  and  days  accord- 
ing to  the  numerical  mode  of  expression,  or  from  bearing 
a  faithful  testimony  against  these,  and  all  other  forms  of 
idolatry  and  superstition. 


Chap.  II.  65 

BURIALS    AND    MOURNING    HABITS. 

Our  members  arc  affectionately  cautioned  against  the 
practice  of  wearing  mourning  apparel,  on  the  occasion  of 
the  decease  of  relations  and  friends.  It  tends  to  occupy 
the  thoughts  with  useless  and  frivolous  subjects,  at  a  time 
wheu  it  is  peculiarly  important,  that  nothing  should  inter- 
fere Avith  those  precious  visitations  of  the  love  of  God  to 
the  soul,  which  often  in  an  especial  manner  accompany 
the  afflictive  dispensations  of  the  Most  High,  in  the  death 
of  our  near  connections,  contritiug  the  heart,  and  com- 
forting the  true  mourner.  The  custom  not  unfrequently 
imposes  a  straightening  burthen  on  families,  which  they 
are  little  able  to  sustain,  and  is,  moreover,  in  many  iu- 
Btances,  a  token  of  sorrow  not  really  felt ;  and  this  in- 
cludes a  departure  from  that  strict  truthfulness,  which,  in 
deed  as  well  as  in  word,  ought  ever  to  mark  the  Christian 
character. 

Friends  are  advised  to  avoid  all  extravagant  expenses 
about  the  interment  of  the  dead ;  and  to  bear  a  sound 
Christian  testimony  against  the  erection  of  monuments  in 
Friends'  l)urial  grounds,  as  well  as  against  all  inscriptions 
of  a  eulogistic  character,  over  the  graves  of  deceased 
Friends.  Nevertheless,  avc  consider  it  to  be  no  violation 
of  such  testimony,  to  place  over  or  l>eside  a  grave  a  plain 
stone,  to  be  of  the  dimensions  established  by  this  Yearly 
Meeting  in  1852,  viz.,  not  to  exceed  fifteen  inches  in  height 
above  the  surface  of  the  ground  ;  the  inscription  on  which 
is  confined  to  a  simple  record  of  the  name,  age,  and  date 
of  the  decease,  of  the  individual  interred. 

Burials  of  persons  not  members  of  our  religious  soci- 
ety, may  take  place  in  our  burial  grounds, -provided  they 
be  ill  all  respects  conducted  as  the  burial  of  Friends  are 
conducted.     Friends  will  exercise  discretion  as  to  comply- 
I 


GQ  CHRISTIAN   PRACTICE.  [Chap.  II. 

iiig  with  any  application  that  may  be  made  in  such  cases, 
and  as  to  appointing  a  meeting  for  worship  on  the  occasion. 
In  order  that  burials  be  commendably  and  decently  ac- 
complished, and  our  testimonies  maintained,  as  well  as  for 
the  assistance  of  those  immediately  concerned,  monthly 
meetings  are  advised  to  appoint  a  committee  to  attend 
thereat,  and  also  to  see  that  all  burial  grounds  are  properly 
enclosed  and  kept. 


COVETOUSNESS. 

As  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  exhorted  and 
warned  to  take  heed  and  beware  of  covetousness,  (which 
is  idolatry,)  we  are  concerned  that  all  our  members  may 
guard  against  pride,  over-reaching,  defrauding,  and  has- 
tening to  be  rich  in  the  world,  which  are  pernicious  and 
growing  evils.  Let  them  be  watched  against,  resisted, 
and  suppressed,  in  the  fear  and  dread  of  Almighty  God, 
and  have  no  place  or  countenance  among  us  ;  remembering 
the  admonition  of  the  apostle  Paul :  "  They  that  will  bo 
rich,  fall  into  temptation  and  a  snare,  and  into  many  fool- 
ish and  hurtful  lusts,  which  drown  men  in  destruction  and 
perdition.  For  the  love  of  money  is  the  root  of  all  evil ; 
which,  while  some  coveted  after,  they  have  erred  from  the 
faith,  and  pierced  themselves  through  with  many  sorrows." 
Beware  therefore,  dearly  beloved,  lest  you,  also,  being 
led  aside  by  the  love  of  this  world  and  the  deceitfulness 
of  riches,  fall  from  your  own  steadfastness. 


CHAPTER   III. 
CHRISTIAlSr  DISCIPLIJSTE. 


INTRODUCTION  —  ON    THE     ORIGIN   OF   THE     CHRISTIAN     DIS- 
CIPLINE   ESTABLISHED    AMONG   FRIENDS. 

The  plan  of  discipline  in  the  Society  of  Friends,  so 
wisely  laid  down  for  them  by  their  loredecessors,  has  been 
maintained  for  nearly  two  centuries  without  material  alter- 
ation. This  plan  is  characterized  by  that  simplicity  on 
the  one  hand,  and  that  precision  on  the  other,  which, 
under  Providence,  could  alone  insure  its  usefulness  and 
stability. 

While  we  cannot  doubt  that,  in  its  construction,  George 
Fox  aud  his  coadjutors  were  favored  with  the  gracious  aid 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  it  is  also  evident  that  their  attention 
was  closely  fixed  upon  the  pattern  of  discipline  presented 
to  them  in  the  New  Testament.  Their  system  was,  in- 
deed, more  developed  than  that  of  the  primitive  believers 
is  known  to  have  been,  especially  as  it  regards  the  subor- 
dination of  one  class  of  meetings  to  another;  but,  with 
regard  to  main  principles,  as  well  as  in  many  distinct  par- 
ticulars, the  views  and  practices  of  Friends,  with  respect 
to  church  order,  appear  to  be  the  same  as  those  of  the 
primitive  Christians. 

The  acknowledgment  of  Christ  as  the  only  Head  and 
priest  of  his  people  ;  the  direct  dependence  upon  Ilim,  as 
the  present  ruler  of  the  church  ;  the  divine  origin  of  the 
gift  of  the  ministry  and  the  absence  of  all  human  restric- 
tion, as  to  the  person  who  might  exercise  it;  the  voluntary 


(}>8  CHRISTIAN   DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  HI. 

support  of  the  poor ;  the  appointment  in  every  monthly 
meeting,  of  officers  to  manage  the  funds  raised  for  that 
purpose,  and  of  elders  and  overseers  to  watch  over  the 
Hock  of  Christ,  —  all  being  distinct,  in  their  official  char- 
acters, from  the  prophets  or  preachers,  —  the  settlement  of 
disputes,  not  before  the  magistrates  of  the  land,  but  by 
the  arbitration  of  brethren ;  the  private  admonition  of  of- 
fenders as  the  first  step  in  discipline ;  the  select  confer- 
ences of  preachers  and  elders ;  the  making  of  rules,  the 
choosing  of  officers,  the  disownment  and  restoration  of 
offenders,  by  the  assembled  believers ;  are  points  which 
distinguish  the  simple  religious  polity  of  the  earliest 
Christians  ;  and  all  these  points  are  steadily  maintained  in 
the  Society  of  Friends. 

There  are  two  points  connected  with  our  view  of 
church-government  which  are  worthy  of  special  notice. 
The  first  is,  the  absence  of  all  ecclesiastical  domination, 
or  of  any  distinction  between  a  priesthood  in  power,  and 
a  laity  in  subjection.  No  such  distinction  appears  to  have 
been  known  among  the  immediate  followers  of  Christ,  or 
in  the  first  and  purest  age  of  the  churches  which  they 
planted,  and  none  such  exists  among  ourselves.  Our 
views  on  this  point  are,  indeed,  by  no  means  opposed  to 
the  just  influence  of  the  more  experienced  members  of  the 
church,  or  to  the  proper  authority  of  appointed  overseers  ; 
but  we  consider  ourselves  to  be  brethren  possessed  of 
equal  privileges ;  and  we  conceive  it  to  be  the  duty  of  the 
church  to  conduct  its  own  aifairs,  and  to  govern  itself.  And 
here  there  is  no  place,  on  the  part  of  individuals,  for  a 
personal  independence,  or  impatience  of  restraint :  be- 
cause, as  far  as  Christian  discipline  extends,  every  mem- 
ber is  controlled  and  governed  by  the  body  at  large. 

Now,  it  is  very  obvious,  that  such  a  form  of  church- 
government  can  be  safe  and  salutary,  only  while  we  main- 
tain a  still  higher  principle  —  that  of  the  supremacy  and 


Chap.  III.]  ORIGIN  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  69 

perpetual  superintendence  of  Christ  himself.  This  is  a 
doctrine  in  which  Friends  have  at  all  times  believed. 
Often  have  they  been  led  to  call  to  mind  the  words  of  the 
prophet :  "  Unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  son  is  given  : 
and  the  government  shall  be  upon  his  shoulder."  Isaiah, 
ix.  6.  Often  have  they  found  occasion  to  recur  to  the 
doctrine  of  the  apostle,  that  God  hath  put  "  all  things  " 
under  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  given  "Him  to  be  the  Head 
over  all  things  to  the  church."     Eph.  i.  22. 

What,  then,  is  the  agency  by  which  Christ  conducts  his 
reign,  and  orders  the  affairs  of  his  universal  people? 
Scripture  and  experience  alike  declare  that  it  is  the  agency 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  It  is  by  his  Spirit  that  He  brings  his 
children  into  subjection  to  his  will,  qualifies  them  for  their 
respective  offices  in  the  bod}'',  and  guides  them,  individ- 
ually and  collectively,  in  their  course  of  duty. 

The  second  subject  alluded  to  is,  the  belief  of  Friends, 
that  a  manifestation  of  the  Spirit  is  given  to  every  man  to 
profit  withal;  and  that  the  living  members  of  the  church, 
in  their  endeavors  to  promote  the  religious  welfare  of 
others,  will  not  fail  to  receive,  as  they  humbly  seek  it, 
his  gracious  aid  and  guidance.  Whether,  in  such  endeav- 
ors, Ave  act  as  private  individuals,  or  in  the  official  char- 
acter of  overseers  of  the  flock,  it  is  still  in  dependence  on 
our  Divine  Master,  and  in  obedience  to  the  government 
of  his  Spirit,  that  our  duties  ought  to  be  performed.  We 
l^elieve  that  it  is  thus,  and  thus  only,  that  we  can  with 
confidence  offer  up  the  prayer  of  the  Psalmist ;  "  Establish 
thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us ;  yea,  the  Avork  of 
our  hands  establiish  thou  it."     Ps.  xc.  17. 

But  further  —  when  christians  meet  in  their  collective 
capacity,  for  the  purpose  of  regulating  the  affairs  of  the 
church,  and  of  promoting  the  cause  of  religion,  Christ  is 
their  rightful  President.  And,  it  is  our  firm  belief,  that, 
as  they  reverently  wait  upon  Him,  they  will  find  Him 


70  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

present  to  assist  their  deliberations,  to  prompt  their  ef- 
forts, and  to  direct  their  decisions.  That  such  was  the 
happy  experience  of  the  primitive  believers,  may  be  shown 
from  the  Scriptures ;  and  there  is  surely  no  good  reason 
why  christians,  in  the  present  day,  did  they  fully  rely  on 
God,  should  not  enjoy  the  same  blessed  privilege. 

"We,  therefore,  consider  it  to  be  our  duty  to  conduct  all 
our  meetings  for  discipline,  with  immediate  reference  to 
the  government  of  Christ,  and  to  the  guidance  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  Whether  we  are  engaged  in  appointing  offi- 
cers ;  in  acknowledging  ministers ;  in  deliberating  upon 
their  prospects  of  service ;  in  admitting  members ;  in 
dealing  with  delinquents  ;  in  extending  advice  to  subordi- 
nate meetings ;  or  in  discussing  propositions  made  with  a 
view  to  the  welfare  of  the  body; — whatever  subject,  in- 
deed, connected  with  religion  and  morality  may  occupy 
our  attention,  — we  believe  it  to  be  right,  humbly  to  wait 
for  Divine  direction,  and  to  yield  to  that  judgment,  on  the 
subject  before  us,  which  appears  to  be  most  consistent 
with  the  mind  of  Christ. 

Believing  that,  of  every  question  which  can  arise  in  the 
church,  there  must  be  a  right  conclusion,  and  in  the  fur- 
ther belief  that,  as  they  diligently  seek  his  counsel,  Christ 
will  lead  his  dependent  followers  into  that  conclusion,  we 
admit  in  our  meetings  for  discipline,  of  no  division  of  mem- 
bers —  of  no  settlement  of  any  point  by  majority.  The 
Clerk  gathers  and  records  the  judgment  of  the  meeting, 
and  it  is  his  duty,  during  the  course  of  every  discussion, 
to  take  care  that  proper  order  be  preserved.  But  he  has 
no  personal  authority  over  the  assembl}^,  no  power  to  put 
any  subject  to  the  vote,  and  no  casting  vote  of  his  own. 

That  this  is  a  principle  worthy  of  our  Christian  profes- 
sion, and  eminently  conducive  to  the  welfare  of  the  church, 
cannot  be  denied;  and,  although  its  full  effect  may  often 
be  prevented  by  the  infirmity  of  our  nature,  we  are  bound 


Chap.  III.]  MEETINGS   FOR  DISCIPLINE.  71 

to  acknowledge  that  it  has  worked  well  in  practice ;  and 
it  continues  to  be  the  case,  that  questions  are  never  settled 
in  our  meetings  for  discipline  —  monthly,  quarterly,  or 
yearly  —  by  a  division  of  the  members.  Have  we  not, 
then,  much  cause  for  thankfulness  to  Him  who  is  Head 
over  all  things  to  the  church,  that  He  still  condescends  to 
preserve  us,  as  a  people,  in  some  degree  of  practical  de- 
pendence on  his  own  authority ;  thnt  Pie  still  brings  us, 
from  time  to  time,  into  the  same  judofment ;  that  He  still 
enables  us,  when  our  opinions  differ,  to  condescend  one  to 
another  in  love  ? 

Certain  it  is,  that  the  more  we  are  weaned  from  the 
eagerness  of  the  carnal  mind,  and  brought  to  wait  patient- 
ly on  the  Lord,  the  better  we  shall  be  prepared  to  receive 
and  follow  his  counsel;  the  more  eminently  we  shall  enjoy 
the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace. 


MEETINGS    FOR   DISCIPLINE. 

Early  after  the  establishment  of  meetings  for  "worship, 
those  for  discipline  were  instituted ;  and,  as  the  right 
maintenance  of  these  is  indispensable  to  the  welfare  of 
the  society,  Friends  are  entreated  to  be  diligent  in  the 
attendance  of  them,  and  to  encourage  the  attendance  of 
their  families. 

By  the  term  discipline,  is  to  be  understood  all  those  ar- 
rangements and  regulations  which  are  instituted  for  the 
civil  and  religious  benefit  of  a  christian  church.  The 
meetings  for  discipline  are,  of  course,  for  the  purpose  of 
carrying  those  objects  into  effect.  Their  design  was  said 
by  George  Fox  to  be,  the  promotion  of  charity  and  piety. 
He  mentions  in  his  journal,  that  some  meetings  for  disci- 
pline were  settled  in  the  north  of  England  in  1G53.     The 


72  CHRISTIAN  DiscirLiNE.  [Chap.  III. 

earliest  meetings  of  this  character,  of  which  we  have  any 
account,  in  this  country,  were  established  in  1658. 

Christianity  has  ever  been  a  powerful,  active,  and  be- 
neficent principle.  Those  who  truly  receive  it,  no  more 
"  live  unto  themselves  ;  "  and  this  feature  and  fruit  of  gen- 
uine Christianity  was  strikingly  exhibited  in  *he  conduct 
of  the  early  Friends.  No  sooner  were  a  few  persons  con- 
nected together  in  the  new  bond  of  religious  fellowship, 
than  they  were  engaged  to  admonish,  encourage,  and,  in 
spiritual  as  well  as  temporal  matters,  to  watch  over  and 
help  one  another  in  love.  Each  member  was  at  liberty  to 
exercise  the  gift  bestowed  upon  him,  in  that  beautiful 
harmony  and  subjection  which  belong  to  the  several  parts 
of  a  living  body,  from  the  analogy  to  which  the  apostle 
Paul  draws  so  striking  a  description  of  the  true  church : 
*'  Ye  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and  members  in  particular." 

It  was  one  of  the  earliest  features  of  our  religious  econ- 
omy, to  elevate  the  character  of  women  by  recognizing 
them  as  helpers  in  spiritual  as  well  as  in  temporal  things ; 
holding  in  the  former,  as  in  the  latter,  a  distinct  place, 
and  having  duties  which  more  peculiarly  devolved  on 
them.  For  this  purpose,  meetings  were  established  among 
them  with  a  special  regard  to  the  care  and  edification  of 
their  own  sex.  The  views  of  George  Fox  in  regard  to 
the  establishment  of  these  meetings  are  conveyed  in  the 
following  passages:  "Faithful  women,  called  to  a  belief 
of  the  truth,  and  made  partakers  of  the  same  precious 
faith,  and  heirs  of  the  same  everlasting  gospel  of  life  and 
salvation  as  the,  men  are,  might  in  like  manner  come  into 
the  profession  and  practice  of  the  gospel  order,  and  there- 
in be  meet-helps  to  the  men,  in  the  service  of  truth  and 
the  aflfairs  in  the  church,  as  they  are  outwardly  in  civil 
and  temporal  things  ;  that  so  all  the  family  of  God,  women 
as  well  as  men,  might  know,  possess,  and  perform,  their 
offices  and  services  in  the  house  of  God ;  whereby  the 


Chap.  III.]  JNLEETIXGS    FOR    DISCIPLINE.  73 

poor  might  be  better  taken  care  of;  the  younger  sort  in- 
structed, informed  and  taught  in  the  way  of  God;  the 
disorderly  reproved  and  admonished,  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord ;  the  clearness  of  persons  proposing  marriage  more 
closely  and  strictly  inquired  into,  in  the  wisdom  of  God ; 
and  all  the  members  of  the  spiritual  body,  the  church, 
might  watch  over  and  be  helpful  to  each  other  in  love." 

And  in  order  for  the  regular  and  easy  proceeding  in  the 
service  and  discipline  of  the  church,  coordinate  meetings 
of  each  sex  have  been,  by  Divine  assistance,  set  up  and 
established,  serviceable  and  subordinate  one  unto  another ; 
as  Preparative^  consisting  of  Friends  belonging  to  one  or 
more  particular  meetings  for  worship  ;  Montldy,  consist- 
ing of  as  many  preparatives  as  may  most  usefully  compose 
the  same  ;  Quarterly^  to  consist  of  as  many  monthly  meet- 
ings as  are  thought  useful  to  constitute  the  same,  to  meet 
together  once  in  three  months ;  Yearly,  consisting  of  all 
the  quarterly  meetings  in  New  England,  east  of  the  Con- 
necticut river,  having  the  general  care  and  oversight  of 
all  the  meetings  within  its  limits,  to  meet  annually  on 
Rhode  Island.  No  quarterly  meeting  can  be  set  up,  di- 
vided into  two,  or  discontinued,  but  by  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing ;  no  monthly  meeting,  but  by  the  quarterly  meeting ; 
no  preparative  meeting,  or  meeting  of  worship,  but  by 
the  monthly  meeting,  which  is  the  lowest  meeting  that 
has  the  right  of  disowning  members.  These  meetings  are 
subordinate  and  accountable,  thus  :  the  preparative  to  the 
monthly,  the  monthly  to  the  quarterly,  and  the  quarterly 
to  the  yearly  meeting ;  so  that,  if  at  any  time,  either  of 
tliese  bodies  be  dissatisfied  with  the  proceedings  of  any 
subordinate  meeting  within  its  limits,  such  subordinate 
meeting,  when  required  thereto,  ought,  with  readiness  and 
meekness,  to  render  a  satisfactory  account  accordingl}'. 
Althoujrh  the  men's  and  the  women's  meetings  are  held 


74  CHRISTIAN  DISCI^LI^'E.  [Chap.  in. 

separately,  joint  sessions  may  be  held  at  any  time,  by 
mutual  consent. 

These  meetings,  so  instituted,  are,  no  doubt,  instrumen- 
tal in  bringing  many  more  of  the  members  into  a  larger 
sphere  of  usefulness,  and  into  the  exercise  of  their  re- 
spective gifts  in  the  church,  the  free  course  for  which 
George  Fox  was  so  anxious  to  promote.  With  reference 
to  this  subject,  he  observes,  in  one  of  his  epistles,  "The 
least  member  in  the  church  is  serviceable,  and  all  the 
members  have  need  one  of  another." 

While  Friends  are  at  liberty  to  exercise  a  prudent  dis- 
cretion, with  respect  to  the  admission  of  well  disposed 
and  serious  persons,  who  are  not  members,  to  sit  in  our 
meetings  for  discipline,  we  advise  that  no  persons  under 
dealing  for  any  misconduct,  be  allowed  to  sit  in  meetings 
for  business,  nor  should  their  contribution  be  received, 
until  they  give  satisfaction. 

The  Book  of  Discipline  should  be  present  in  all  our 
meetings  for  discipline,  that  it  may  be  consulted  or  read, 
as  occasion  may  require. 

Meetings  for  business  should  endeavor  to  bring  all  sub- 
jects to  a  seasonable  close ;  and  when  a  meeting  is  unable 
to  come  to  a  satisfactory  determination  of  any  matter  be- 
fore it,  it  should  apply  to  its  superior  meeting  for  its 
advice  and  assistance  therein. 

The  minutes  and  reports,  which  go  from  inferior  to  su- 
perior meetings,  should  be  signed  by  their  clerks. 

All  the  provisions  in  this  article,  or  elsewhere  in  this 
book,  in  relation  to  the  organization,  management,  and 
modes  of  proceeding  of  meetings  for  discipline,  and  all 
advices  relative  thereto,  shall  be  construed  as  applying 
alike,  to  both  men's  and  women's  meetings,  unless  other- 
wise specifically  provided. 


Chai).  III.]    YEARLY  meeting;  its  history,  &c.  75 

THE   YEARLY   MEETING;    ITS   HISTORY,    DESIGN,    AND 
FUNCTIONS. 

New  England  Yearly  Meeting,  being  the  first  in  Amer- 
ica, was  not  set  up  like  those  of  the  present  day,  which 
have  been  set  oft'  from  a  parent  stock,  and  organized  at 
once,  but  gradually  grew  up  as  the  Society  grew ;  assum- 
ing more  and  more  a  definite  form  and  organization,  as 
the  people,  newly  convinced,  and  as  yet  held  together 
only  by  the  bands  of  sympathy,  love,  and  gospel  unity, 
came  to  perceive  their  need.  Khode  Island,  in  these  times 
of  persecution,  was  a  place  of  quiet  and  Christian  liberty; 
and  Newport  being  easily  accessible  and  constantly  passed 
and  repassed  by  the  "  laborers,'"  in  their  journeys  between 
New  Amsterdam,  Oyster  Bay,  and  other  localities  south- 
ward, and  Sandwich,  Plymouth,  Boston,  Salem,  and  Pis- 
cataqua,  at  the  eastward,  became  naturally  the  place  of 
meeting,  and  this  was  favored  still  more,  by  the  toleration, 
and  even  countenance  of  the  authorities.  The  house  of 
William  Coddiugton,  the  Governor,  soon  became,  and  con- 
tinued to  be,  the  place  of  meetings,  both  for  worship  and 
discipline,  until  his  death  in  1688.  As  early  as  1657,  in 
the  sixth  month,  five  ministers  from  England  landed  at  New- 
port from  the  little  ship  Woodhouse,  and  they,  with  the 
master,  also  a  minister,  were  engaged  in  that  vicinity  from 
the  3d  to  the  12th  of  the  month;  but  what  meetings  were 
lield  docs  not  appear.  In  1658,  there  were  fifteen  minis- 
ters laboring  in  New  England,  viz.,  eleven  from  England, 
three  from  Barl)adoes,  and  one  from  Rhode  Island.  In 
the  sixth  month  of  this  year,  most  of  these  were  in  prison 
in  various  places. 

"In  1G59,"  says  Peter  Pearson,  "upon  the  Otli  day  of 
the  4th  [now  6th]  mo.,  and  4th  day  of  the  week,  all  of  us, 
Englisli  Friends,  that  were  abroad  in  the  country,  had  a 
meeting  upon  Rhode  Island." 


7G  CHKiSTiAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

IGGO.  Persecution  was  sharp  this  year,  and  there  is  no 
account  of  any  meeting.  William  llobiuson,  a  merchant 
of  London,  and  Marmaduke  Stevenson,  of  Yorkshire, 
suflcred  death  for  truth's  sake,  on  the  27th  of  8th  mo. 
In  this  year,  Mary  Dyer  was  hung.  William  Leddra  was 
hung  the  14th  day  of  1st  mo.,  16G1. 

"In  16G1,"  says  George  Bishop,  "a  Yearly  or  general 
meeting  was  held  on  Rhode  Island,*  at  which  the  people  of 
Boston  were  much  alarmed,  fearing  Friends  were  assem- 
bling to  attack  them."  There  is  good  reason  to  believe  that 
the  meeting  was  regularly  held  from  this  time.  It  was  at- 
tended in  1G71  by  John  Burnyeat,  who  says,  "It  begins 
the  9th  of  4th  [now  Gth]  mo.  every  year,  and  continues 
much  of  a  week ;  and  is  a  general  meeting  for  Friends 
of  New  England."  George  Fox  attended  it  in  1G72,  (the 
year  the  call  was  issued  for  the  first  Representative  Yearly 
Meeting  held  in  London,)  and  says  it  held  six  days  ;  four 
for  worship,  one  for  the  men's  and  one  for  the  women's 
meeting  for  business,  and  that  it  was  not  a  Yearly  Meeting 
for  New  England  only,  but  for  other  colonies  adjacent ;  "in- 
cluding, doubtless,"  says  BoAvden,  "Long  Island,  Jerseys, 
Maryland,  and  Virginia."  In  these,  several  men's  and 
women's  meetings  for  other  parts  were  agreed  upon  and 
settled,  to  take  care  of  the  poor,  and  other  affairs  of  the 
church,  and  to  see  that  all  who  profess  the  truth,  walk 
according  to  the  glorious  Gospel  of  God.  G.  Fox\s 
Journal,  pp.  156-7.  But  no  records  of  the  general  meet- 
ing at  this  place  are  preserved,  prior  to  1683,  when  the 
following  minutes  appear,  which  are  not  only  the  oldest 


*  Where  the  meeting  was  then  held  does  not  appear,  but  in  1072  George  Fox  at- 
tended it,  at  the  house  of  Gov.  William  Coddington,  and  probably  from  that  time, 
certainly  from  1GS3  to  1G88,  it  was  held  at  the  same  place;  from  1689  to  1697  it  was 
held  at  Walter  Newbury's  house;  1098  at  his  widow's,  Anne  Newbury's,  In  1701,  the 
record  says,  "  Met  at  our  meeting-house,"  and  "  On  6th  day  Public  Friends  had  a 
meeting  at  8  o'clock,  at  our  old  meeting-house,  till  10  o'clock  -^  then  began  our  Yearly 
Meeting  at  our  new  meeting-house." 


Chap.  III.]      YEARLY   MEETING  ;    ITS   HISTORY,    &C.  77 

existing  records  of  this  meeting,  but  all   tlic  records   of 
this  session,  viz.  : 

"  It  is  Agreed  on  and  settled  at  A  general  yearly  meet- 
ing at  the  house  of  AYm.  Coddingtou  in  Ehode  Island,  ye 
11th  4th  [Gth]  mo.  1683. — The  yearly  general  meeting 
of  Friends  worshipping  God,  —  Theare  assembly  at  Khoad 
Ishmd  Begins  ye  second  daye  of  ye  4th  [6th]  month  in 
every  yeare,  til  friends  see  cause  in  ye  wisdom  and  coun- 
sell  of  God  to  alter  it. 

"  At  Duxbury,  ye  geuerall  yearley  meeting  Begins  on 
ye  last  sixth  daye  in  every  7th  [9th]  M :  &  since,  it  is 
altered  to  ye  first  6th  daye  in  every  8th  [10th]  month. 

"At  Piscatua  ye  generall  meeting  Begins  ye  second 
first-daye  after  duxbury  meeting. 

"  At  Salem  ye  geuerall  meeting  Begins  ye  next  first- 
daye  After  duxbury  meeting. 

"  At  dartmo'h  ye  generall  yearley  meeting  is  to  Begin 
ye  4th  first  daye  After  Duxbury  meeting. 

"  At  Warwick  A  yearley  meeting  is  appoynted  ye  sec- 
ond first-day  in  every  3d  [5th]  mo." 

These  meetings  are  doubtless  the  same,  or  part  of  the 
same,  referred  to  in  the  Journal  of  George  Fox,  as  "  set- 
tled" in  1672  ;  but  the  times  and  places  of  holding  them 
were  now  arranged  in  more  definite  order.  The  meeting 
at  Sandwich,*  one  of  the  oldest  and  largest,  is  not  named 
in  the  list,  probaljly  Ijccause  the  time  was  not  changed.  It 
was  held  on  the  third  Gth  day  in  the  1st  [3d]  mo.  Nan- 
tucket meeting  was  not  set  up  until  4th  [Gth]  mo.  23d, 
1708.  Although  the  meeting  at  Newport,  from  the  various 
causes  alluded  to,  was  more  prominent,  and  gradually  in- 
creased in  relative  inii)ortance,  it  does  not  appear  to  have 
difi"crcd  in  character  from  the  general  yearly  meetings 

•The  meetings  at  Sandwich  and  Duxbury  can  be  traced  back  to  1079. 


No  business  from  any  of  them  does 
present  to  this  meeting. 


78  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

hold  at  Sandwich,  Scituate,  Salem,  Piscataqna,  &c.,  mitil 
1GD3,  when  the  folloAviug  document  was  issued  by  it: 

"At  a  general  Yearly  Meeting  at  the  house  of  Walter 
Newbury  on  Khode  Island  the  13th  of  4th  [6th]  mo.  1693. 

"  The  several  particular  meetings  being  called  upon, 
Rhode  Island, 
Sandwich, 
Situate, 
Salem, 
Piscataway, 
Oyster-Bay, 

"  It  is  agreed  at  this  meeting,  that  the  weighty  friends  of 
the  several  meetings  do  appoint  one  or  two  faithful  friends 
to  attend  this  Yearly  Meeting,  and  give  their  attendance 
at  the  usual  place,  on  the  6th  and  7th  days,  in  the  morn- 
ing, by  the  8th  hour,  before  the  public  meeting  of  w^orship 
do  begin  ;  and  bring  in  an  account  of  sufferings,  if  any  be, 
or  other  business  that  may  relate  to  this  meeting ;  and  if 
the  business  is  not  ended  then,  the  2d  day  in  the  morning 
may  be  appointed,  that  all  things  may  be  done  in  order, 
and  have  reasonable  time  to  end  things  that  shall  come 
before  us." 

The  other  "general  meetinirs"  within  New  Ensrland  now 
began  to  be  held  quarterly,  and  soon  took  the  name  of 
Quarterly  Meetings,  agreeablj^  to  propositions  made  in 
1686,  1687,  and  1693,  occupying  an  intermediate  place 
and  office,  between  the  "Yearly  Meeting  for  New  Eng- 
land "  and  the  monthl}'-  meetings.  Two  of  the  latter  had 
been  set  up,  viz..  Sandwich,  believed  to  be  the  oldest  in 
America,  as  early  as  1658,  (when  eighteen  families  re- 
corded their  names)  ;  and  Duxbury,  which  is  noticed  in 
the  Old  Colony  Records  of  1660.  Monthly  meetings 
were  not  yet  generally  established  in  England, — but  in 


Chap.  III.]    YEARLY  MEETING  ;    ITS  HISTORY,  &C.  79 

1666  and  1667  George  Fox  made  special  effort  by  "  writ- 
ing into  all  parts,"  as  be  says,  "  to  stir  up  Friends  to  move 
in  it,  and  establisb  tbeir  montbly  meetings." 

Following  tbese  "  general  meetings,"  in  tbeir  change  to 
quarterly  meetings,  we  find,  not  a  definite  and  decided 
change  to  the  present  organization,  and  subordination  of 
inferior  to  superior  meetings ;  nor  to  the  present  division 
of  duties,  or  functions ;  but  rather,  a  gradual  growth  or 
perfecting  of  the  system  through  a  series  of  years. 

The  name  of  "  Duxbury  General  Yearly  Meeting  "  was 
changed  to  Scituate,  and  then  to  Pembi'oke  ;  but  the  meet- 
ing was  soon  after  absorbed  in  Sandwich  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing, which,  being  held  first  as  a  yearly  meeting,  was,  in 
1685,  held  as  a  "Half  Year's  Meeting,"  but  in  1686  was 
changed  to  a  quarterly  meeting,  and  dates  from  that  time. 

"Dartmouth  General  Meeting"  was  first  included  in 
Rhode  Island  Quarterly  Meeting;  and  then  set  off"  to 
Sandwich  in  1788. 

"  Warwick,"  or  "  Greenwich,"  and  "  Swauzy,"  were  also 
soon  included  in  Rhode  Island  Quarterly  Meeting. 

"  Oyster  Bay  "  was  set  ofi",  and  with  other  meetings  was 
organized  as  New  York  Yearly  Meeting,  in  1695. 

"  Salem "  took  the  name  and  form  of  Salem  Quarterly 
Meeting,  probably  in  1687,  at  first  including  "  Piscataqua," 
which  was  afterwards  set  off  in  1815  as  Dover  Quarterly 
Meeting. 

In  all  this  work  of  organization,  George  Fox  was  not 
the  only  laborer,  but  rather  a  prominent  instrument  in 
"making  ready  a  people  prepared  of  the  Lord."  He  was 
laboring  in  this  country  Aviien  the  call  for  a  representative 
Yearly  Meeting  was  issued  from  London,  by  that  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Ministers,  in  1672.  The  fields  were  already 
white  unto  harvest,  and  George  Fox,  as  a  true  servant  of 
the  Lord,  sought  not  to  be  regarded  as  a  leader,  but 
pointed  all  to  Christ  as  the  Head ;  and  exhorted  all  to 


80  CHmsTiAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

pray  to  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  to  send  forth  hiborers  into 
his  harvest.  And  "  many  were  raised  up  in  various  local- 
ities to  preach  the  Gospel  in  its  spirituality  and  fullness." 
As  early  as  1652,  there  were  twenty-five  ministers  who 
gave  themselves  to  the  work  in  England,  and  multitudes 
were  convinced.  "In  1654,  there  Avere  no  less  than  sixty 
travelling  in  nearly  all  the  counties  of  England  and  Wales, 
and  in  parts  of  Scotland  and  Ireland,  and  meetings  for 
Avorship  were  established  in  most  parts  of  the  nation." 
And,  notwithstanding  the  persecution,  in  a  few  years  after, 
we  find  them  earnestly  engaged  in  all  the  colonies  of  this 
country,  and  some  even  among  the  aborigines. 


THE    DESIGN    AND    FUNCTIONS    OF    THE    YEARLY    MEETING. 

It  is  called  "  The  Yearly  Meeting  of  Friends  fpr  New 
England,"  embracing  in  its  limits  all  New  England  east  of 
the  Connecticut  river. 

The  intent  and  design  of  our  annual  assemblies,  in 
their  first  constitution,  was,  for  the  great  and  weighty 
oversight,  and  Christian  care  of  the  affairs  of  the  churches, 
pertaining  to  our  Christian  communion,  in  all  those  things 
wherein  we  may  be  capable  to  serve  one  another  in  love. 

In  1695,  the  records  say,  "The  good  and  blessed  intent 
and  end  of  this  and  of  all  our  assemblies,  is,  with  the 
Lord's  assistance,  fo?  his  honor,  in  promoting  and  main- 
taining our  Christian  society  and  religion,  in  life  and  prac- 
tice, in  all  the  parts  and  branches  thereof." 


REGULATIONS. 

The  Yearly  Meeting  is  to  be  held  on  Eliode  Island,  be- 
ginning with  a  meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  at  nine 


Chap,  in.]  KEGULATIONS.  81 

o'clock  A.  M.,  on  the  second  sixth  day  of  the  sixth  month, 
at  Xewport ;  the  meeting  for  church  discipline  to  begin 
at  9  o'clock  on  seventh  day  morning,  at  Newport ;  the 
meetings  for  worship  on  tirst  day  following,  to  begin  at 
10  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  at  4  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon, both  at  Portsmouth  and  New^port. 

The  clerks,  or  in  their  absence,  the  assistant  clerks, 
shall  act  as  clerks  at  the  first  session  for  discipline  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting  in  each  3'ear.  The  representatives  of  the 
men's  and  women's  meetings  respectively  shall  meet  at  the 
close  of  such  first  session,  and  shall,  when  so  met,  nomi- 
nate clerks  and  assistant  clerks  from  among  the  members 
of  the  meeting.  The  said  nominations  shall  be  reported 
to  the  next  session  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  for  confirma- 
tion, previously  to  any  other  business ;  and  the  clerks 
shall  continue  to  serve  until  others  are  appointed. 

No  representative  should  withdraw  from  the  meeting 
before  it  ends,  without  leave ;  that  the  service  of  the 
meeting  may  not  be  neglected. 

All  papers  that  come  before  the  meeting,  except  such  as 
are  from  its  recognized  official  correspondents,  shall  be 
first  examined  by  a  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose, 
to  determine  the  propriety  of  their  introduction,  before 
they  are  read  in  the  meeting ;  and  the  same  rule  shall  apply 
also  to  quarterly  and  monthly  meetings. 

Collections  shall  be  made  when  called  for  by  the  meet- 
ing for  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  Society,  and  shall  be 
lodged  in  the  hands  of  a  treasurer  (to  be  annually  appoint- 
ed,) and  shall  be  subject  to  be  drawn  out  for  its  service  by 
those  properly  authorized,  who  shall  account  for  the  same. 
The  treasurer's  accounts  shall  be  audited  annually  by  a  com- 
mittee of  the  Yearly  Meeting  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

The  sums  which  may  Ijc  thought  necessary  to  be  raised, 
shall  be  apportioned  to  each  quarterly  meeting  by  the 
representatives  present ;    and  each   quarterly  meeting  is 

K 


82  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

desired  to  be  punctual  in  sending  up  the  amount  thereof 
accordingly. 

The  business  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  should  be  conducted 
in  the  fear  of  God,  without  contention  or  striving;  and 
with  us  few  Avords,  and  in  as  pertinent  expression  to  the 
matter  in  hand,  as  may  be,  for  expediting  the  afRiirs  there- 
of without  loss  of  time,  or  in  any  way  disturbing  the 
meeting ;  one  only  at  a  time  standing  and  speaking,  that 
all  things  may  be  done  decently  and  in  order. 


QUARTERLY  MEETINGS. 

A  Quarterly  Meeting  shall  consist  of  oiie  or  more 
monthly  meetings,  and  shall  extend  a  kind  and  tender 
Christian  care  over  its  subordinate  meetings,  and  shall  be 
subordinate  to  the  Yearly  Meeting.  It  shall  be  organized 
by  the  appointment  annually  of  clerks,  assistant  clerks, 
and  a  treasurer,  who  shall  servo  until  others  are  appointed 
to  take  their  places. 

Until  further  directed,  the  several  quarterly  meetings 
shall  be  held  as  follows,  viz.  :  Rhode  Island  quarter,  in  the 
8th  month,  at  Newport,  11th  month,  at  Fall  River,  2d 
month,  at  Providence,  and  5th  month,  at  East  Greenwich ; 
on  the  first  fifth-day  in  the  month,  at  each  place  :  Salem 
quarter,  on  the  third  fifth-day  in  the  1st  month,  at  Salem  ; 
on  the  4th  fifth-day  in  the  5tli  month,  at  Amesbury ;  on 
the  tliird  fifth-day  in  the  8th  month,  at  Lynn  ;  on  the  3d 
fifth-day  in  the  10th  month,  at  Weare  :  Sandwich  quar- 
ter, on  the  first  fifth-day  in  the  month  ;  at  New  Bedford, 
in  the  4th  and  12th  months,  at  Falmouth  in  the  7th,  and 
at  Sandwich  in  the  10th :  Falmouth  quarter,  on  the  fifth- 
day  before  the  first  sixth-day  in  the  month ;  at  Windham, 
in  the  2d  and  9th,  at  Falmouth,  Maine,  in  the  6th,  and 
at  Durham  in  the  11th  month  :  Smithfield  quarter,  on  the 


Chai^.  III.]  QUARTERLY  MEETINGS.  83 

second  fifth-day  in  the  mouth ;  at  Worcester  in  the  2d, 
at  Northbridge  in  the  5th,  at  Bolton  in  the  8th,  and  at 
Smithfield  in  the  11th  month:  Vassalborough  quarter,  on 
the  second  sixth-day  in  the  2d,  9th  and  11th  months,  and 
the  last  sixth-day  in  the  5th  month ;  at  Vassalborough,  in 
the  2d  and  9th  months,  and  at  East  Vassalborough,  in  the 
5th  and  11th  months:  Dover  quarter,  on  the  fourth  fifth- 
day  in  the  month ;  at  the  upper  meeting-house  in  Eoches- 
ter,  (Meaderborough,)  in  the  1st,  at  Dover  in  the  4th, 
at  Sandwich,  New  Hampshire,  in  the  10th,  and  at 
North  Berwick  on  sixth-day  after  the  fourth  fifth-day  in 
the  8tli  month :  Fairfield  quarter,  at  INIanchester,  on 
fourth-day  before  the  second  sixth-day  in  the  2d  and 
9th  mouths";  at  Fairfield  on  fourth-day  before  the  last 
sixth-day  in  the  5th  month,  and  at  the  same  place  on 
fourth-day  before  the  second  sixth-day  in  the  11th  month. 
*A  meeting  for  divine  worship  shall  be  held  on  the  first 
day  of  holding  each  quarterly  meeting,  preceding  their 
opening  the  business,  according  to  the  ancient  and  general 
practice  of  Friends. 

The  several  quarterly  meetings  shall  transmit  annually 
to  the  Yearly  Meeting  information  of  any  meetings  which 
have  been  settled,  discontinued,  or  united  in  the  course  of 
the  year ;  and  when  any  quarterly  meeting  thinks  it  right, 
under  special  circumstances,  to  give  permission  to  a 
monthly  meeting  to  be  held  less  frequently  than  once  in 
the  month,  the  same  shall  be  reported  to  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing. If  any  quarterly  meeting  shall,  upon  deliberate  con- 
sideration, judge  it  right  and  expedient  to  lay  down  or 
dissolve  any  of  the  monthly  meetings  belonging  thereto, 
and  join  the  members  thereof  to  another  of  its  monthly 
meetings,  it  is  authorized  so  to  do ;  and  the  members  of 
those  dissolved  meetings  are  to  be  accepted  and  recognized 
as  under  the  care  of  the  said  meeting  to  which  they  are 
joined.     And  when  a  (quarterly  meeting  hath  come  to  a 


84  CHRISTIAN  DiscirLiNE.  [Chap.  III. 

jiRlgracnt  on  this  or  any  other  matter  relative  to  any 
monthly  meeting  belonging  to  it,  and  notified  the  same  in 
writing  to  such  monthly  meeting,  the  said  monthly  meet- 
ing ought  to  submit  to  the  judgment  of  the  quarterly 
meeting ;  but,  if  such  monthly  meeting  shall  not  be  satis- 
lied  therewith,  then  the  monthly  meeting  may  appeal  to 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  against  the  judgment  and  determina- 
tion of  the  quarterly  meeting. 

And,  if  a  monthly  meeting  shall  refuse  to  take  the  advice 
and  submit  to  the  judgment  of  the  quarterly  meeting,  and 
notwithstanding  will  not  appeal  against  the  determination 
of  the  said  meeting  to  the  Yearly  Meeting ;  in  such  case, 
the  quarterly  meeting  shall  be  at  liberty  either  to  dissolve 
such  monthly  meeting,  or  to  bring  the  affair  before  the 
next  or  the  succeeding  Yearly  Meeting.  Aud,  in  case  a 
quarterly  meeting  shall  dissolve  a  monthly  meeting,  the, 
dissolved  monthly  meeting,  or  any  part  thereof,  in  the 
name  of  the  said  meeting,  shall  be  at  liberty  to  appeal  to 
the  next  or  the  succeeding  Yearly  Meeting,  against  such 
dissolution ;  but,  if  the  dissolved  monthly  meeting,  or  a 
part  thereof  in  its  behalf,  shall  not  appeal  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  the  quarterly  meeting  shall  join  the  members  of 
the  said  late  monthly  meeting  to  such  other  monthly  meet- 
ing as  it  may  think  most  convenient ;  and,  until  such  time, 
shall  take  care  that  no  inconvenience  doth  thereby  ensue 
to  the  members  of  such  dissolved  meeting,  respecting  any 
branch  of  our  discipline.  And,  if  any  of  the  monthly 
meetings  to  which  the  quarterly  meetings  shall  join  the 
whole  or  a  part  of  the  late  monthly  meetings  do  think 
themselves  aggrieved,  they  shall  be  at  liberty  to  appeal 
against  the  quarterly  meeting  to  the  Yearly  Meeting;  and, 
until  such  appeal  is  heard  and  determined,  the  Friends 
added  by  the  quarterly  meeting  to  them  shall  be  deemed 
their  members. 

All  minutes  and  written  epistles  from  the  Yearly  Meet- 


Chap.  III.]  BEOXTIILY   MEETINGS.  85 

iug  shall  be  entered  by  the  quarterly  meetnig  in  books 
properly  kept,  that  all  Friends  of  the  said  quarter  may 
have  recourse  to  them,  as  occasion  shall  require. 

Each  quarterly  meeting  shall  appoinf  two  or  more  rep- 
resentatives to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

The  attention  of  quarterly  meetings  is  recommended  to 
the  circumstances  of  the  very  small  meetings  for  worship, 
and  the  small  monthly  meetings,  within  their  limits.  We 
desire  that  the  condition  of  these  meetings  may  obtain  the 
care  of  well  concerned  Friends,  and  that  a  brotherly  and 
christian  intercourse,  so  far  as  is  practicable,  may  be  kept  up 
between  all  the  members  of  a  quarterly  meeting. 


MONTHLY    MEETINGS. 

A  Monthly  Meeting  consists  of  one  or  more  preparative 
meetings,  and  holds  its  sittings  monthly,  and  is  subordinate 
to  the  quarterly  meeting.  Clerks  and  assistant  clerks 
shall  be  appointed  annually,  to  serve  until  others  are 
chosen. 

Each  monthly  meeting  shall  also  appoint  a  treasurer, 
who  shall  keep  a  regular  account  of  all  moneys  received 
and  paid  on  behalf  of  the  meeting.  Also  a  correspond- 
ent, to  authenticate  all  documents  sent  from  one  monthly 
or  quarterly  meeting  to  another. 

Information  of  the  appointment  of  correspondents  shall 
be  forwarded  to  the  (piartcrly  meeting,  and  by  the  quar- 
terly meeting  to  the  Yearly  Meeting.  A  recorder  shall 
also  be  annually  appointed.     (See  article  on  Records.) 

In  every  monthly  meeting  a  proper  number  of  faithful 
and  judicious  men  and  women  Friends,  belonging  to  each 
of  the  particular  or  preparative  meetings,  should  be  ap- 
pointed to  the  station  of  overseers  within  the  same ;  whoso 
duty  it  is  to  exercise  a  vigilant  and  tender  caro  over  their 


86  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

fellow-members ;  that  if  anything  repugnant  to  the  har- 
mony and  good  order  of  the  Society  appears  among  them, 
,  it  may  be  timely  attended  to.  And  they  are  also  entreated 
to  be  especially  cai*bful  to  maintain  an  upright  life  and 
unblamable  conversation,  that  the  advice  which  they  give 
to  others  may  be  better  received,  and  carry  with  it  greater 
weight  and  force,  on  the  minds  of  those  whom  they  may 
be  concerned  to  admonish. 

In  the  selection  of  overseers  the  monthly  meeting  should 
appoint  a  joint  committee  of  men  and  women  Friends,  to 
propose  to  the  succeeding  monthly  meeting  the  names 
of  one  or  more  suitable  men,  and  also  of  women 
Friends,  in  each  preparative  meeting,  for  that  service  ;  and 
the  appointment  of  these  overseers  shall  be  by  concurrent 
action  of  both  meetings. 

Notwithstanding  overseers  are  appointed  for  a  particular 
preparative  meeting,  yet,  if  circumstances  require  it,  they 
may  act  in  another  preparative  meeting  belonging  to  the 
same  monthly  meeting. 

The  monthly  meeting  should  also  appoint  two  or  more 
Friends,  men  and  women,  from  each  preparative  meeting, 
as  overseers  of  the  poor,  who  shall  attend  to  the  necessi- 
ties of  those  who  may  need  assistance,  and  give  such  aid 
and  advice  as  may  appear  needful. 

Two  or  more  Friends  should  be  appointed  annually,  as 
auditors  to  settle  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer,  overseers 
of  the  poor,  and  of  the  trustees  of  all  trust  funds  held  by 
the  meeting,  or  under  its  direction. 

The  foregoing  appointments  are  to  be  made  annually ; 
but  those  appointed,  and  all  others  under  annual  appoint- 
ment, shall  serve  until  others  are  appointed  in  their  stead. 

Monthly  meetings  should  appoint  one  or  more  Friends 
as  representatives  to  each  quarterly  meeting,  whose  duty 
it  is  to  attend  to  the  seasonable  dispatch  and  completion 
of  the  business  intrusted  to  their  care,  taking  with  them 


Chap.  III.]  MONTHLY   MEETINGS.  •  87 

what  may  be  specially  committed  to  them  by  the  monthly 
meeting,  which  should  be  in  writing. 

The  right  to  membership  in  the  Society  extends  to  any 
child  born  of  parents  in  membership ;  to  any  child,  of 
which  either  the  father  or  mother  is  at  the  time  of  its  birth 
a  member,  provided  such  father  and  mother  Avere  both  of 
them  members  at  the  time  of  marriage ;  and  to  such  as 
may  have  been  admitted  to  the  right,  on  request  or  other- 
wise. 

Monthly  meetings  are  at  liberty,  in  their  discretion,  to 
admit  into  membership  in  their  minority,  any  children 
whose  parents  are  or  may  have  been  members,  or  who  may 
be  otherwise  connected  with  our  Society,  in  cases  where  a 
sincere  desire  is  manifest  to  train  and  educate  such  chil- 
dren in  accordance  with  our  religious  principles;  and, 
when  but  one  of  the  parents  is  a  member  of  our  Society, 
such  are  encouraged  to  bring  up  their  children  agreeably 
to  Truth,  as  far  as  is  in  their  power,  and,  when  they  think 
it  suitable  for  them  to  be  members,  not  to  neglect  asking 
the  care  of  Friends  in  their  behalf. 

Although  we  recognize  the  children  of  our  members  as 
objects  of  our  care,  and  partakers  of  the  outward  privi- 
leges of  Christian  fellowship,  we  would  earnestly  remind 
all,  that  such  recognition  cannot  constitute  them  members 
of  the  church  of  Christ.  Nothing  can  eflcct  this  but  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  working  repentance  towards 
God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  therefore, 
let  the  words  of  our  Divine  Master  have  their  due  place 
with  us  all:  "Ye  must  be  born  again."  May  all  our 
members  become  such,  on  the  ground  of  true  conversion 
and  convincement,  and  be  prepared  in  their  several  places 
to  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God. 

Requests  from  those  Avho  desire  to  be  received  into 
meml)ership  should  be  introduced  through  the  preparative 
meeting,  but  the  overseers  may,  in  exceptional  cases,  to 


8S  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

save  time,  bring  such  requests  directly  to  the  mouthly 
meeting;  and,  in  either  case  that  meeting  may  appoint 
some  suitable  Friends,  who  shall  inquire  into  the  life  and 
conversation  of  the  applicants,  and  also  take  an  opportu- 
nity for  serious  conference  with  them,  the  better  to  under- 
stand whether  their  motives  for  such  request  be  sincere 
and  from  religious  conviction,  and  make  report  of  their 
suitableness  to  become  members  accordingly.  If  such 
report  be  satisfactory  to  the  meeting,  a  record  shall  then 
be  made  of  the  acceptance  of  such  persons  as  members  of 
our  society,  and  a  committee  be  appointed  to  inform  them 
thereof. 

Monthly  meetings  are  required  to  keep  an  alphabetical 
list  of  their  members,  and  annually  to  appoint  a  committee 
for  the  purpose  of  examining  such  list,  by  comparing  the 
entries  on  the  monthly  meeting's  records,  who  shall  also 
prepare  an  abstract  of  statistics,  showing  the  number  of 
births,  deaths,  removals  into  or  out  of  the  meeting,  admis- 
sions by  request,  disowned,  and  the  total  number  of  mem- 
bers, in  time  to  be  forwarded  through  the  quarterly  meet- 
ing to  the  Yearly  Meeting  annually. 

Monthly  meetings  are  desired  to  maintain  a  correspond- 
ence with  such  of  their  members  as  have  removed  out  of 
the  reach  of  the  oversight  of  their  friends,  and  beyond 
the  limits  of  any  recognized  meetings  for  discipline,  so  as 
to  bring  them  under  the  Christian  notice  and  sympathy  of 
these  meetings,  and  that  they  have  a  special  regard  to 
them,  when  their  lists  of  members  are  annually  read  and 
revised ;  and  absent  members  are  desired  to  forward  annu- 
ally their  address  to  the  clerk  of  the  monthly  meeting  to 
which  they  belong. 

In  case  of  resignation  of  membership,  the  monthly 
meeting,  unless  it  should  consider  such  action  unnecessary, 
should  appoint  a  committee  to  visit  the  person  offering  it, 
for  the  purpose  of  removing,  if  practicable,  the  cause  of 


Chap.  III.]  MONTHLY    MEETINGS.  89 

such  resignation.  If  this  labor  prove  unavailing,  the 
meeting  may  release  him  from  membership,  and  appoint 
a  committee  to  inform  him  thereof,  unless  the  circum- 
stances of  the  case,  in  their  judgment,  require  a  testimo- 
ny against  him;  but  no  objection  shall  be  interposed, 
which  is  based  on  any  alleged  infraction  of  the  discipline, 
heretofore  committed,  for  which  the  meetins:  or  its  offi- 
cers,  having  had  reasonable  opportunity  so  to  do,  has  not 
taken  him  under  dealing. 

When  any  person  requests  to  be  admitted  into  member- 
ship with  us,  and  when  any  member  asks  a  dismissal,  or 
is  taken  under  dealing  in  a  monthly  meeting,  the  meeting, 
whether  men's  or  women's,  in  which  the  business  originates, 
shall  acquaint  the  other  meeting  thereof,  in  order  for  their 
united  sympathy  and  help,  if  they  think  it  best ;  and  when 
the  meeting  to  which  the  application  is  made,  or  by  which 
the  member  may  be  under  dealing,  is  about  to  receive, 
restore,  dismiss,  or  disown  the  person  whose  case  is  under 
consideration,  both  meetings  should  be  acquainted  there- 
with, and  their  concurrence  be  manifested,  before  the  con- 
clusion is  entered ;  and  when  the  approbation  of  both 
meetings  is  obtained,  the  same  shall  be  entered  on  the 
minutes  of  both.  And  it  is  advised  that  men  and  women 
be  attentive  and  ready  in  their  meetings,  to  lend  their 
assistance  to  each  other,  when  it  appears  to  be  useful  and 
best. 

Monthly  meetings  should  take  special  care,  on  suitable 
occasions,  to  appoint  proper,  prudent,  and  judicious 
Friends,  to  visit  their  brethren  in  their  families,  to  inform, 
advise,  or  admonish,  as  circumstances  ma^'^  require,  and 
such  Friends  should  labor  faithfully,  in  a  spirit  of  love, 
and  in  the  meekness  of  wisdom,  to  convince  the  judgments 
of  the  respective  visited  members  of  the  necessity  of  their 
coming  up  with  their  brethren,  in  practice  agreeably  to 
our  christian  principles ;  that  so,  the  several  branches  of 

L 


90  CHEiSTiAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

the  testuBony  given    ns  to  bear,   may  be  maintaiuetl  in- 
violate. 

Delinquencies.  —  Friends  are  earnestly  exhorted  in  the 
love  of  Christ,  to  watch  diligently  over  the  flock,  and 
labor  seasonably,  and  in  a  spirit  of  Christian  love  and 
tenderness  with  all  snch  as  walk  disorderly  amongst  us, 
in  order  to  reclaim  and  restore  them  by  brotherly  counsel 
and  admonition.  When  any  one  of  our  members  shall 
have  transgressed  the  rules  of  our  discipline,  and  such  duo 
private  labor  has  been  bestowed  without  effect,  informa- 
tion of  the  transgression  should  be  communicated  by  the 
overseers,  through  the  preparative  meeting,  to  the  monthly 
meeting.  That  meeting  shall  thereupon  appoint  some  well 
qualified  Friends  to  visit  such  member,  and  to  inquire 
carefully  into  the  matter,  and  labor  for  the  restoration  of 
the  member  thus  transgressing.  The  Friends  so  appointed 
shall  report  in  due  time  their  care  and  labor  in  the  case, 
when  the  monthly  meeting  may  proceed  to  dispose  of  the 
same  ;  and  the  person  so  labored  with  shall  be  informed 
of  its  decision,  and,  in  case  of  disownment,  of  his  right 
of  appeal. 

In  case  of  the  delinquency  of  a  Friend  who  is  not  a 
member  of  the  meeting  in  which  he  resides,  care  should 
be  takeli,  after  due  inquiry  and  private  labor,  that  the 
meeting  to  which  he  belongs  be  informed  of  the  case. 
The  meeting  of  which  he  is  a  member  shall  then  proceed 
to  visit  and  labor  with  him,  unless  by  reason  of  distance 
it  be  not  convenient ;  in  which  case  it  shall  apply  to  the 
monthly  meeting  in  which  the  delinquent  resides  to  act  for 
it,  and  visit  him,  and  report  its  proceedings  to  the  meet- 
ing of  which  he  is  a  member ;  which  meeting  may  then 
take  such  action  thereon  as  in  their  judgment  the  case 
may  seem  to  require,  reporting  its  conclusion  to  the  other 
meeting. 


Chap.  III.]  MONTHLY   MEETINGS.  91 

If  said  delinquent  remove  after  the  consideration  of  his 
case  be  commenced,  the  meeting  that  had  him  under  its 
care  shall  continue  the  same,  if  he  be  equally  within  its 
reach ;  or  otherwise,  is  at  liberty  to  write  to  the  meeting 
into  the  limits  of  which  he  is  removed ;  which  meeting 
may  be  requested  to  proceed  therein,  and  report  to  the 
meeting  of  which  he  is  a  member ;  which  meeting  may 
then  take  such  action  thereon  as  in  its  judgment  the  case 
may  require,  as  aforesaid. 

If  an  individual  commit  an  offence  which  the  monthly 
meeting  judge  to  be  of  such  a  nature  as  to  require  its 
speedy  action  for  the  clearing  of  truth,  it  is  at  liberty,  on 
satisfactor}^  evidence  thereof,  to  proceed  even  to  the  dis- 
ownment  of  the  offender,  without  the  appointment  of  a 
committee. 

In  case  offenders  shall  remove  to  places  not  within  the 
acknowledged  limits  of  any  monthly  meeting,  they  may 
be  placed  under  the  care  of  the  meeting  to  which  they  are 
nearest  situated. 

If  an  offender  cannot  be  found  after  reasonable  inquiry, 
the  meeting  to  which  he  belongs  shall  issue  a  testimony 
against  him,  if  the  nature  of  the  case  require  it. 

In  all  proceedings  for  disorderly  walking,  the  complaint 
shall  be  based  on  the  discipline,  as  it  stood  when  the  al- 
leged offence  was  committed  ;  and  no  advice,  rule,  or  regu- 
lation subsequently  adopted,  shall  be  allowed  to  influence 
the  proceedings  or  decision  thereon,  to  the  disadvantage 
of  the  person  offending. 

If  any  member  shall  make,  or  countenance,  any  false 
entry  of  goods  or  merchandise,  or  in  any  other  way  at- 
tempt to  defraud  the  public  revenue,  or  intentionally  buy 
or  sell  any  goods,  knowing  them  to  have  been  falsely  en- 
tered, or  by  incorrect  returns  or  statements,  or  in  any 
other  way,  seek  to  defraud  the  government,  monthly  meet- 
ings should  labor  with  such  as  disorderly  walkers. 


92  CHRISTIAN   DISCIPLINiE.  [Chap.  III. 

When  liny  of  our  members,  either  in  courts  or  else- 
where, violate  our  testimony  by  either  taking  or  adminis- 
tering oaths,  monthly  meetings  are  desired  to  extend 
brotherly  labor  towards  them,  and,  if  they  cannot  be  pre- 
vailed upon  to  give  satisfaction,  to  testify  their  disunity 
with  them. 

Friends  cannot  consistently  with  our  well  known  prin- 
ciples against  all  wars  and  fighting,  engage  in  any  prepar- 
ation or  combination  of  a  warlike  or  military  character 
whatever,  nor  in  any  occupation  or  business  pursuit,  the 
object  of  which  is  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  war, 
nor  can  they  procure  substitutes,  nor  pay  any  war  tax  or 
contribution,  in  lieu  of  personal  service.  Should  any  of 
our  members  depart  from  a  consistent  maintenance  of  our 
testimonies  in  these  respects,  tender  advice  should  be  ex- 
tended to  them,  in  order  for  their  convincement  and  resto- 
ration, and,  should  this  labor  prove  ineffectual,  monthly 
meetings  should  proceed  to  disown  them. 

As  it  is  not  consistent  with  our  testimony  against  war, 
for  any  of  our  members  to  receive  pensions  for  military 
services  from  the  government,  though  they  may  be  re- 
duced to  necessitous  circumstances,  this  necessity  should 
be  relieved  by  monthly  meetings,  who  will  thereby  pre- 
serve our  religious  testimony  against  the  anti-christian 
practice  of  war,  and  manifest  their  sympathy  for  their 
brethren  by  contributing  to  their  comfortable  support. 

A  tender  care  should  be  exercised  by  Friends  over  one 
another  for  good,  and  should  they  observe  any  to  be  defi- 
cient in  discharging  their  just  debts  in  due  time,  or  neglect- 
ing to  keep  their  word,  promises,  or  engagements,  in  their 
dealings,  or  should  any  trade  beyond  their  ability,  and  thus 
give  reasonable  suspicion  of  inability  or  negligence ;  such 
should  be  seasonably  advised  or  cautioned  herein,  in  order 
for  their  help  or  improvement ;  and  if  any  proceed  contrary 
to  such  advice,  or  by  their  faihire  bring  reproach  upon 


Chap.  III.]  MONTHLY   MEETINGS.  93 

the  church,    Friends   may  justifiably   proceed    to  testify 
against  such  offenders. 

If  any  of  our  members  absent  themselves  from  our  re- 
ligious meetings,  and  disregard  the  repeated  advice  and 
endeavors  of  Friends  to  induce  them  to  attend  to  this  im- 
portant duty,  they  should  be  tenderly  treated  with  for  their 
restoration,  by  the  monthly  meeting  to  which  they  belong. 

It  being  recommended  to  the  representative  meeting  to 
take  the  oversight  of  all  writings  proposed  to  be  i^rinted, 
relating  to  our  religious  principles  or  testimonies,  for 
which  the  society  is  to  be  held  responsible,  our  members 
who  may  have  any  such  publications  in  view,  are  required 
to  lay  them  before  said  meeting  for  its  advice  and  concur- 
rence. And  if  any  of  our  members  shall  print  or  publish 
any  such  writing  against  the  advice  of  said  meeting,  such 
persons  shall  be  complained  of  to  the  monthly  meeting  to 
which  they  belong,  and  if  they  cannot  be  convinced  of  the 
impropriety  of  their  conduct,  and  led  to  condemn  the 
same,  to  the  satisfaction  of  said  meeting,  they  should  be 
disowned,  as  opposed  to  the  peace  and  good  order  of  the 
society. 

Friends  are  cautioned  against  printing,  publishing,  or 
circulating  any  writings  which  may  be  hurtful  in  their 
tendency,  or  which  may  excite  disunity  or  discord,  and 
where  any  disregard  this  advice  monthly  meetings  should 
deal  with  them  as  offenders. 

If  a  member  of  our  society  shall  accept  any  ofiice  in 
the  civil  government,  such  as  is  advised  against  in  the  ar- 
ticle on  that  subject,  and  shall  persevere  in  conduct  thus 
adverse  to  our  principles,  such  case  should  be  reported  for 
action  to  the  monthly  meeting. 

If  any  member  of  our  society  shall  arrest,  sue,  or  im- 
plead at  law,  any  other  member  thereof,  except  in  cases 
provided  in  the  article  on  Dillcrcnces  and  Arbitrations, 
and  except  also  in  the  case  provided  below,  such  person 


94  CHRISTIAN  DiscirLiNE.  [Chap.  III. 

should  bo  dealt  with  for  the  same,  by  the  meethig  to  which 
he  belongs ;  and  if  he  shall  not  give  satisfaction  for  such 
disorderly  proceedings,  he  may  be  disowned  by  the  meet- 
ing. Or,  if  the  party  so  sued  or  arrested,  taking  with 
him,  or,  if  under  confinement,  sending,  one  or  two  Friends 
to  the  person  who  goes  to  law,  shall  complain  thereof,  the 
said  person  shall  be  required  immediately  to  stay  proceed- 
ings :  and,  if  he  do  not  comply  with  such  requisition,  the 
monthly  meeting  to  which  he  belongs  may  disown  him  if 
the  case  require  it.  But,  in  case  there  is  good  reason  to 
believe  that  a  debtor  is  about  to  remove  himself,  or  his 
efl'ects,  for  the  purpose  of  defrauding  his  creditors,  or  to 
avoid  the  payment  of  his  just  dues,  or  by  any  other  means 
is  attempting  to  effect  such  purpose,  the  prohibition  of  re- 
sort to  legal  process  shall  not  apply  ;  and,  in  such  case,  the 
monthly  meeting  is  the  proper  judge  of  the  circumstances, 
and  should  see  that  justice  is  done  between  the  parties 
concerned. 

With  regard  to  the  attendance  at  stage  plays,  horse 
races,  entertainments  of  music  and  dancing,  or  being  en- 
gaged in  lotteries,  wagering,  or  other  species  of  gaming-; 
when  any  of  our  members  are  found  engaging  therein,  or 
are  in  the  practice  of  any  immorality,  or  other  reproach- 
ful conduct,  the  monthly  meeting  where  such  transgressors 
belong  should  deal  with  them. 

Our  members  are  affectionately  and  earnestly  advised 
not  to  connect  themselves  with  any  secret  societies,  even 
though  they  may  profess  to  be  instituted  for  the  promo- 
tion of  good  and  benevolent  objects.  And  when  the  cause 
of  truth  appears  likely  to  suffer  from  a  disregard  of  this 
advice,  the  case  should  be  reported  to  the  monthly  meet- 
ing for  action  thereon. 

Ministers.  —  The  following  order  is  to  be  observed  in 
acknowledging   the   gift  of  any   Friend  in  the  ministry. 


Chap.  III.]  MONTHLY    MEETINGS.  95 

Where  any  Friend  appears  in  pnblic  ministry  whose  life 
and  conversation  shall  be  clean  and  bhimeless,  and  the 
monthly  meeting,  within  the  limits  of  which  the  Friend  be- 
longs, is  convinced  that  the  Lord  hath  called  him  or  her  to 
that  weighty  work,  the  name  having  been  introdnced  by  a 
committee  appointed  by  the  monthly  meeting  for  that  pnr- 
pose,  or  by  the  preparative  meeting  of  ministers  and 
elders,  through  its  clerk,  and  the  monthly  meeting  being 
united  in  approving  him  or  her  as  a  minister  in  the  church, 
it  shall  acquaint  the  quarterly  meeting  therewith,  which, 
after  solidly  waiting  for  the  concurring  unity  of  men  and 
women  Friends,  and  finding  nothing  to  hinder,  shall 
minute  the  same,  and  acquaint  the  quarterly  meeting  of 
ministers  and  elders  thereof,  which  shall  also  enter  the 
acknowledgment  on  its  minutes,  as,  from  the  period  of 
their  acknowledgment,  they  become  members  of  that  meet- 
ing. Information  of  such  acknowledgment  shall  be  given 
by  the  quarterly  meeting  to  the  person  so  acknowledged, 
and  to  the  Yearly  fleeting,  and  by  the  Yearly  Meeting, 
through  its  clerk,  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  ministers  and 
elders,  and  the  names  are  to  be  entered  on  the  records  of 
those  meetings. 

Should  the  monthly  meeting  desire  assistance  in  this 
proceeding,  after  having  appointed  a  judicious  committee 
of  men  and  women  Friends,  application  may  be  made  to 
the  quarterly  meeting,  which  shall  appoint  a  few  Friends, 
both  men  and  women,  who,  with  those  appointed  by  the 
monthly  meeting,  shall  form  a  committee  for  judging  of 
the  gifts  and  qualifications  of  such  as  may  be  thus  proposed 
for  this  important  station.  Their  report  shall  be  presented 
to  the  monthly  meeting  for  its  consideration  and  decision, 
the  same  as  in  the  former  case. 

If  any  Friend  appearing  as  a  minister  shall  give  cause  of 
uneasiness  or  dissatisfaction  in  doctrine,  behavior,  conver- 
sation or  ministry,  the  person  so  offending  should  be  treated 


96  ciiKiSTiAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

with  privately,  in  a  gospel  spirit  and  manner.  If  this 
shall  not  take  eft'ect,  let  complaint  be  made  of  snch  person 
to  the  monthly  meeting  to  which  he  or  she  may  belong,  in 
order  that  proceedings  thereon  may  be  had  accordingly, 
and  the  matter  be  settled  with  all  suitable  expedition. 

Monthly  meetings  should  be  careful  that  all  Friends 
travelling  from  or  among  them  in  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
go  in  the  unity  of  the  meeting  to  which  they  belong,  and 
with  written  testimonials  therefrom ;  and  monthly  meet- 
ings are  advised  to  take  due  care  in  giving  such  testimo- 
nials, in  order  to  prevent  the  uneasiness  which  sometimes 
falls  on  the  church  from  an  unqualified  ministry. 

None  should  travel  abroad  as  ministers,  without  having 
been  first  recommended  to  the  quarterly  meeting,  and  ac- 
cepted by  it  as  such,  and  none  should  appoint  meetings 
out  of  the  limits  of  the  quarterly  meeting  they  belong  to, 
without  a  certificate  from  the  monthly  meeting  or  the  con- 
currence thereof. 

When  any  ministers  have  a  concern  to  travel  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  and  to  appoint  meetings  out  of  the 
quarterly  meeting  they  belong  to,  or  to  attend  the  sittings 
of  other  yearly  meetings,  or  of  meetings  belonging  there- 
unto, they  should  seasonably  communicate  information 
of  the  same  to  the  preparative  meeting  of  ministers  and 
elders  to  which  they  belong,  (for  which  purpose  a  spec- 
ial meeting  may  be  called,  if  necessary,)  for  its  consent 
to  lay  the  concern  before  the  monthly  meeting.  If  such 
consent  is  obtained,  they  should  then  apply  to  their  month- 
ly meeting  for  a  written  testimonial  of  its  concurrence, 
which,  if  it  be  granted,  shall  be  prepared  and  signed  by  the 
clerks  and  correspondent  of  the  monthly  meeting ;  and 
monthly  meetings  are  requested  to  take  care  that  Friends, 
to  whom  certificates  or  minutes  to  travel  have  been  issued, 
return  them  seasonably.  When  such  concern  extends  to 
visiting  the  churches  within  any  other  yearly  meeting  on 


Chap.  III.]  MONTHLY   MEETINGS.  97 

this  continent,  they  should  proceed  in  like  manner.  And, 
when  the  monthly  meeting  has  given  its  certificate,  they 
should  acquaint  the  quarterly  meeting  therewith,  for -its 
concurrence,  which  must  be  had  before  the  Friend  pro- 
ceeds. When  the  concern  is  for  a  general  or  extensive 
visit,  or  to  a  foreign  land,  or  beyond  sea,  it  is  recom- 
mended that  the  approbation  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  of 
ministers  and  elders  should  likewise  be  obtained,  unless 
such  considerations  as  the  monthly  and  quarterly  meetings 
may  judge  sufficient  shall  prevent. 

Elders.  — Monthly  meetings  are  desired  to  look  care- 
fully, from  time  to  time,  among  their  own  members,  and 
endeavor,  under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  seek 
for  such,  not  ministers,  as  give  evidence  that  the  gifts  and 
qualifications  necessary  to  fit  them  for  the  station  of  elders 
in  the  church  have  been  conferred  upon  them,  in  order  for 
their  recognition  and  appointment  to  that  weighty  and 
important  service.  In  this  engagement  neither  age  nor 
wealth  should  influence  the  choice,  but  such  should  be  ap- 
pointed as  fear  God,  love  his  truth  in  sincerity,  are  sound 
in  Christian  doctrine,  and  are  of  clean  hands. 

In  the  appointment  of  elders,  the  following  order  should 
be  observed.  Let  the  monthly  meeting,  after  it  has  ap- 
proved such  as  it  adjudges  duly  anointed  and  qualified  for 
that  service,  (the  name  or  names  having  lioen  introduced 
by  a  joint  committee,  appointed  by  the  monthly  meeting 
for  that  purpose,  or  by  the  preparative  meeting  of  minis- 
ters and  ciders,  through  its  clerk,)  acquaint  the  quarterly 
meeting  thereof;  and  further  proceedings  in  the  case  shall 
l)c  the  same  as  are  provided  in  the  case  of  ministers. 
Friends  are  advised,  in  these  proceedings,  to  be  weighty 
in  their  spirit  and  careful  in  their  conversation,  that  no 
harm  may  come  to  the  individual  or  to  the  church,  from  a 
disclosure  before  the  time,  of  what  may  be  under  con- 


M 


08  CHiiiSTiAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

sideration,  that  all  may  be  kept  in  the  love  and  unity  of 
the  gospel. 

If  monthly  meetings  desire  assistance  in  this  concern, 
they  should  apply  to  the  quarterly  meeting,  as  directed  in 
the  case  of  ministers. 

Monthly  meetings  are  at  liberty,  after  the  exercise  of 
due  care  and  admonition,  to  displace  such  elders  as  appear 
to  be  either  disqualified  or  unftiithful. 


MEMOEIALS. 

Monthly  meetings  are  advised  to  appoint  suitable  Friends 
to  prepare  memorials  or  minutes  concerning  deceased 
Friends,  whether  ministers  or  others,  whose  lives  have 
been  marked  by  devotedness  to  the  cause  of  their  Lord, 
and  to  the  service  of  the  church.  In  drawing  up  such 
documents,  monthly  meetings  are  desired  to  pay  due  re- 
gard to  conciseness,  and  especially  to  bear  in  mind  that 
the  object  is  not  eulogy,  but  to  preserve  a  record  of  the 
power  of  divine  grace  in  the  lives  of  the  Lord's  faithful 
servants.  Such  testimonies,  when  drawn  up,  are  to  be 
presented  by  the  monthly  meeting  to  its  quarterly  meeting, 
which  meeting  is  recommended  in  each  case  to  revise  the 
testimony  so  presented,  (by  a  committee  appointed  for 
the  purpose,  or  otherwise,)  and  it  is  left  to  the  discretion 
of  the  quarterly  meeting,  either  to  send  forward  the  same 
or  a  new  testimony,  prepared  by  itself,  to  the  representa- 
tive meeting,  or  if  thought  expedient,  to  withhold  alto- 
gether any  such  testimony.  Testimonies  thus  prepared, 
when  approved  by  the  representative  meeting,  shall  be 
laid  before  the  Yearly  Meeting  to  be  read  and  recorded. 


Chap.  III.]  99 

PREPARATIVE    MEETINGS. 

Each  established  meeting  for  worship  shall  be  a  prepar- 
ative meeting,  except  in  cases  when  the  monthly  meeting 
deems  it  expedient  to  unite  two  or  more  meetings  for 
worship  in  one  preparative  meeting. 

The  preparative  meeting  shall  hold  a  sitting  preceding 
the  monthly  meeting  to  which  it  belongs,  and  shall  be 
subordinate  to  the  monthly  meeting. 

It  shall  read  and  consider  the  queries  and  advices,  as 
settled  by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  conclude  on  written 
answers  to  the  queries,  essays  of  which  should  be  sub- 
mitted by  the  overseers,  and  these  answers,  when  adopted, 
should  be  sent  to  the  monthly  meeting. 

Applications  from  persons  desiring  to  become  members 
of  our  religious  society  should  be  made  in  writing  to  the 
monthly  meeting,  through  the  preparative  meeting ;  or, 
when  circumstances  render  such  course  inconvenient,  such 
applications  may  be  made  directly  to  the  monthly  meeting, 
through  the  overseers. 

Neither  the  preparative  meeting,  nor  the  overseers,  may 
judge  of  a  request  for  membership  so  as  to  prevent  its 
going  to  the  monthly  meeting,  though  either  may  call  the 
attention  of  the  applicant  to  any  manifest  obstruction : 
but  should  he  continue  desirous  to  have  it  laid  before  the 
monthly  meeting,  it  should  be  forwarded  accordingly. 

Information  of  any  difference  between  members  which 
the  overseers  are  unable  to  reconcile,  or  complaints  against 
any  member,  must  also  be  submitted  to  the  preparative 
meeting  in  writing,  signed  by  two  or  more  of  the  over- 
seers ;  and  such  business  as  may  require  the  care  of 
the  monthly  meeting  should  be  forwarded  to  that  meeting 
without  unnecessary  delay. 

All  couiplaints  maao-  by  the  overseers  should  be  sub- 
mitted by  them  to  the  preparative  meeting,  which   body, 


100  CHRISTIAN   DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  111. 

if  it  approve  thereof,  should  forward  the  same  to  the 
monthly  meeting ;  and  when  the  overseers  believe  it  right 
to  carry  a  complaint,  or  information  respecting  the  conduct 
of  any  member,  to  the  preparative  meeting,  timely  notice 
should  be  given  to  the  party,  when  it  can  reasonably  be 
done,  previously  to  its  being  laid  before  the  preparative 
meeting. 

It  is  advised  that,  in  general,  two  representatives  be 
appointed  by  each  preparative  meeting,  to  attend  the 
monthly  meeting. 

Small  preparative  meetings,  at  the  discretion  of  the 
monthly  meeting,  may  be  permitted  to  act  as  a  united  pre- 
parative meeting  of  men  and  women  Friends.  The  an- 
swers to  the  queries  therefrom  should  be  sent,  both  to  the 
men's  and  women's  monthly  meeting,  and  representatives 
appointed  to  each,  when  practicable. 

When  the  monthly  meeting  consists  of  but  one  particu- 
lar meeting,  the  preparative  meeting  may  be  dispensed 
with,  if  deemed  expedient  by  the  monthly  meeting. 

It  is  apprehended  that  advantage  might  be  derived  from 
occasionally  reading,  in  preparative  meetings,  portions  of 
the  counsel  contained  in  the  book  of  discipline. 


GENERAL    ADVICES. 

TJiese  are  to  he  read  in  the  monthly  meetings^  either  con- 
secutively, or  in  such  ])ortions,  as  luell  as  at  such  times,  as 
may  he  deemed  hy  them  most  desirahle. 

Take  heed,  dear  Friends,  we  entreat  you,  to  the  convic- 
tions of  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  leads,  through  unfeigned 
repentance  and  living  faith  in  the  Son  of  God,  to  recon- 
ciliation with  our  Heavenly  Father,  and  to  the  blessed 
hope  of  eternal  life,  purchased  for  us  by  the  one  offering 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 


Chap.  III.]  GENERAL   ADVICES.  101 

Be  earnestly  concerned,  in  your  religious  meetings, 
reverently  to  present  yourselves  before  the  Lord,  and  to 
seek,  by  the  help  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  worship  God  in 
spirit  and  in  truth. 

Prize  the  privilege  of  access  by  Him  uuto  the  Father ; 
continue  "instant  in  prayer,"  and  "  watch  in  the  same  with 
thanksgiving." 

Be  in  the  frequent  practice  of  waiting  upon  the  Lord  in 
private  retirement,  honestly  examining  yourselves  as  to 
your  growth  in  grace,  and  your  preparation  for  the  life  to 
come. 

Be  diligent  in  the  private  perusal  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures ;  and  let  it  be  your  earnest  endeavor  that  the  daily 
reading  of  them  in  your  families  be  devoutly  conducted. 

Be  careful  to  make  a  profitable  and  religious  use  of 
those  portions  of  time,  on  the  lirst  day  of  the  week,  which 
are  not  occupied  by  our  meetings  for  worship. 

Live  in  love  as  Christian  brethren,  ready  to  be  helpful 
one  to  another,  sympathizing  with  each  other  in  the  trials 
and  alilictions  of  life,  and  manifesting  an  earnest  desire 
that  each  may  possess  a  well  grounded  hope  in  Christ. 

Watch  over  one  another  for  good.  When  occasions  of 
uneasiness  first  appear  in  any,  let  them  be  treated  with,  » 
in  privacy  and  tenderness,  before  the  matter  is  communi- 
cated to  another.  Should  differences  arise,  be  Avilling 
early  to  avail  yourselves  of  the  advice  and  judgment  of 
your  brethren ;  and  may  Friends  be  ready  to  undertake, 
and  be  prudent  in  executing,  the  blessed  ofiicc  of  peace- 
maker. 

Cherish  a  Christian  interest  on  behalf  of  such  attonders 
of  your  meetings  as  arc  not  in  membership ;  evincing  a 
lively  concern  for  their  religious  welfare,  and  growth  in 
the  truth. 

Follow  peace  with  all  men,  desiring  the  true  happiness 
of  all ;  be  kind  and  liberal  to  the  poor,  and  endeavor  to 


102  CHRISTIAN   DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

promote  the  temporal,  moral,  and  religious  well-being  of 
your  fellow-men. 

With  a  tender  conscience,  and  in  accordance  with  the 
precepts  of  the  gospel,  take  heed  to  the  limitations  of  the 
Spirit  of  Truth,  in  the  pursuit  of  the  things  of  this  life. 

Maintain  strict  integrity  in  your  transactions  in  trade, 
and  in  all  your  outward  concerns.  Guard  against  a  spirit 
of  speculation,  and  the  snare  of  accumulating  wealth. 
Remember  that  you  will  have  to  account  for  the  mode  of 
acquiring,  as  well  as  for  the  manner  of  using,  your  pos- 
sessions ;  and  be  equitable  and  judicious  in  the  final  dis- 
position of  them. 

In  contemplating  the  engagement  of  marriage,  look 
principally  to  that  which  will  help  you  on  your  heaven- 
ward journey.  Pay  filial  regard  to  the  judgment  of  your 
parents.  Bear  in  mind  the  vast  importance,  in  such  a 
union,  of  an  accordance  in  religious  principles  and  prac- 
tice. Ask  counsel  of  God ;  desiring,  above  all  temporal 
considerations,  that  your  union  may  be  owned  and  blessed 
of  the  Lord. 

Watch,  with  Christian  tenderness,  over  the  opening  minds 
of  your  children ;  inure  them  to  habits  of  self-restraint 
and  filial  obedience  ;  carefully  instruct  them  in  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  and  seek  for  ability  to  imbue 
their  hearts  with  the  love  of  their  Heavenly  Father,  their 
Redeemer,  and  their  Sanctiiier. 

Be  careful  to  maintain  in  your  conduct,  and  to  encourage 
in  your  families,  that  simplicity  in  deportment  and  attire, 
that  avoidance  of  flattery  and  insincerity  of  language,  and 
that  nonconformity  to  the  world,  which  become  the  disci- 
ples of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

Guard  watchfully  against  the  introduction  into  your 
households  of  publications  of  a  hurtful  tendency.  Ob- 
serve simplicity  and  moderation  in  the  furniture  of  your 
houses,  and  in  your  style  and  manner  of  living. 


Chap.  III.]  QUERIES.  103 

Avoid  such  vain  sports  and  places  of  diversion  as  are 
hurtful  in  tli«ir  tendency,  all  kinds  of  gambling,  the  unnec- 
essary frequenting  of  taverns  and  other  public  houses, 
and  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors ;  and  guard  against 
such  companionships,  indulgences,  and  recreations,  as  by 
their  inliuence  may  interfere  with  your  growth  in  grace. 

Final]}'-,  dear  Friends,  let  3'our  conversation  be  as  it 
becometh  the  gospel.  Exercise  yourselves  to  have  always 
a  conscience  void  of  offence  toward  God  and  toward  men ; 
endeavoring  to  maintain  the  unity  of  the  Spirit,  in  the 
bond  of  peace. 


QUERIES. 

Our  members  are  reminded  that  the  intention  of  direct- 
ing queries  to  be  answered,  relative  to  the  conduct  of 
individuals,  in  the  several  branches  of  our  Christian  pro- 
fession, is  not  only  for  the  purpose  of  being  informed  of 
the  state  of  our  meetings,  but  also  to  impress  on  the  minds 
of  Friends  a  profitable  examination  of  themselves,  to  de- 
termine how  far  they  act  consistently  with  their  religious 
principles.  'Every  member  therefore  is  earnestly  recom- 
mended, more  especially  when  the  answers  are  under  con- 
sideration, to  examine  whether  he,  himself,  is  coming  up  in 
that  life  of  self-denial  and  devotedness  unto  God,  which 
so  highly  becomes  all  who  make  profession  of  the  name 
of  Christ.  Yet,  it  is  not  to  arrangements  however  per- 
fect, but  to  individual  faithfulness  to  Christ,  in  daily  de- 
pendence upon  the  help  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  must 
look  for  growth  in  the  truth,  and  vitality  in  the  church. 
As  this  faithfulness  and  dependence  arc  maintained,  we 
believe  these  queries  will  tend  to  promote  the  religious 
welfare  of  our  mcml>ers,  and  to  the  upholding  of  our 
Christian  discipline  in  a  lively  and  healthy  condition. 

XOTK. — This  paragrap>h  Is  to  be  read  in  tliost  preparative  and  monthly  meetings,  in 
wliich  all  the  nuerics  nrf  directed  to  be  rend  and  answered,  previously  to  entering 
upon  them. 


104  CHRISTIAN  DiscirLiNE.  [Chap.  III. 

QuEEY  1.  Arc  all  meetings  for  religious  worship  and 
discipline  regularly  held?  Do  Friends  attend  them  duly, 
and  at  the  hour  appointed ;  and  are  they  preserved  from 
unbecoming  behavior  therein  ? 

Query  2.  Are  love  and  unity  maintained  among  you? 
Is  detraction  guarded  against?  And,  when  any  differences 
arise,  are  endeavors  used  to  end  them  speedily? 

Query  3.  Are  Friends  careful  to  maintain  a  religious 
life  and  conversation  ?  And,  do  those  who  have  children 
or  others  under  their  care,  endeavor,  by  example  and  pre- 
cept, to  train  them  up  in  accordance  with  our  Christian 
profession  ? 

Query  4.  Do  Friends  frequently  read  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, individually,  as  well  as  collectively  in  their  families, 
encouraging  their  children  and  others  in  the  daily  practice 
of  this  religious  duty?  Do  they  faithfully  maintain  our 
testimony  to  a  free  gospel  ministry? 

Query  5.  Do  Friends  abstain  from  the  use  of  intoxi- 
cating liquors  as  a  beverage  ?  Are  they  careful  to  avoid 
amusements  and  diversions  inconsistent  with  a  Christian 
character ;  and  to  observe  true  moderation  in  all  things  ? 

Query  6.  Are  the  circumstances  of  the  poor,  and  of 
such  as  appear  likely  to  need  assistance,  duly  inspected, 
and  their  necessities  relieved  ?  Are  they  assisted  in  ob- 
taining suitable  employment  ?  And  is  proper  care  taken 
to  educate  their  children? 

Query  7.  Do  Friends  faithfully  maintain  our  testi- 
mony against  bearing  arms  and  other  military  matters  ; 
against  oaths,  and  against  defrauding  the  public  revenue? 

Query  8.  Do  Friends  frequently  inspect  their  affairs 
and  settle  their  accounts?  Are  they  punctual  to  their 
promises, "and  just  in  the  payment  of  their  debts,  and  care- 
ful to  live  within  the  bounds  of  their  circumstances  ? 

Query  9.  Are  Friends  careful  to  have  all  their  mar- 
riages, births,   deaths,  and  burials  duly  recorded?     Are 


Chap.  III.]  QUERIES.  105 

there  any  Friends  removed  from,  or  come  amongst  you, 
without  certificates  ? 

QuEEY  10.  Is  the  discipline  administered  in  cliristian 
tenderness,  timely  and  impartially?  And  is  judgment 
placed,  when  it  appears  necessary,  in  the  authority  of 
Truth,  and  according  to  discipline? 

The  answers  to  the  queries  should  be  full  and  explicit, 
comprising  the  substance  of  every  part  of  each  query,  in 
order  that  the  superior  meeting,  being  rightly  informed  of 
the  state  of  the  church  in  general,  may  duly  administer 
the  needful  advice  and  assistance. 

It  is  also  directed,  that,  to  this  purpose,  the  queries  bo 
first  read  in  the  preparative  meetings  preceding  the  quarter- 
]y  meeting,  and  distinct  answers  be  given  in  said  meetings, 
to  the  first,  second,  and  tenth;  except  previous  to  the 
spring  quarter,  when  all  are  to  be  answered ;  and  these 
answers  are  to  be  carried  to  their  respective  monthly  meet- 
ings, where  the  queries  are  also  to  be  read,  and  the  answers 
aforesaid ;  and  those  answers  digested  in  each  monthly 
meeting,  and  sent  thence  to  the  quarterly  meeting,  where 
the  queries  are  to  be  again  read,  and  the  answers  thereto, 
which  came  from  the  monthly  meetings ;  and  a  summary 
account  made  in  the  spring  quarterly  meeting,  compre- 
hending the  state  thereof,  founded  on  the  answers  to  all 
the  queries,  should  be  entered  on  their  records,  and  trans- 
mitted to  the  yearly  meeting,  and  there  read.  A  sum- 
mary of  these  reports  should  be  entered  in  the  yearly 
mectinii  record. 


106  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

UNANSWERED   QUERIES. 

In  order  to  realize  the  benefit  of  serious  self-examination, 
and  to  induce  an  earnest  desire  to  j)romote  the  good  of 
others,  the  four  following  queries  shall  be  read  in  prepara- 
tive and  monthly  meetings  at  least  once  in  the  year,  at  such 
time  as  by  these  meetings  may  be  deemed  the  most  desirable; 
and  «re  to  be  then  seriously  and  deliberately  considered,  but 
not  answered. 

1.  What  is  the  religious  state  of  your  meeting;  and 
is  there  among  you  evidence  of  a  growth  iii  the  truth  ? 

2.  Are  you  individually  giving  evidence  of  true  cou- 
version  of  heart ;  of  love  to  Christ,  and  self-denying  de- 
voteduess  to  Him  ;  and  of  a  growing  preparation  for  the 
life  to  come  ? 

3.  Do  you  maintain  a  watchful  care  against  conformity 
to  the  world ;  against  the  love  of  ease  and  self-indulgence, 
or  being  unduly  absorbed  by  your  outward  concerns  to 
the  hhidrance  of  your  religious  progress ;  bearing  in  mind 
that  "  here  have  we  no  continuing  city  ?  " 

4.  Do  you  in  gospel  love  seek  to  arouse  the  careless 
and  indiflerent,  and  to  bring  back  those  that  go  astray  ? 
Do  you  exercise  a  religious  care  over  your  younger  mem- 
bers, manifesting  an  earnest  concern  that,  through  the 
power  of  Divine  grace,  they  may  all  become  established 
in  the  faith  and  hope  of  the  gospel  ? 


OVERSIGHT. 


Very  early  after  the  rise  of  this  Eeligious  Society, 
which  had  been  drawn  from  a  dependence  upon  outward 
ceremonials  to  the  immediate  teachings  of  the  Holy  Sjiirit 
in  the  heart,  care  was  manifested  therein,  in  accordance 


Chap.  III.]  OVERSIGHT.  107 

with  the  practice  of  the  primitive  christians,  that  all  its 
members  might  be  preserved  in  unity  together,  and  in  a 
diligent  occupation  of  the  gifts  conferred  upon  each. 
Gathered  together  by  a  Divine  Hand,  and  taught  to  love 
as  brethren,  they  were  also  engaged  to  watch  over  each 
other  for  good.  The  writings  of  George  Fox  contain 
frequent  allusions  to  the  concern  which  he  felt,  that  all 
those  who  had  been  enlightened  by  the  day-spring  from 
on  high,  which  had  visited  their  souls,  should  not  only 
walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  they  had  been 
called,  but  should  labor,  under  right  qualification,  for  the 
help  and  encouragement  of  the  difierent  members  of  the 
body.  "As  the  church  of  God  in  those  days  increased," 
said  Stephen  Crisp,  "m}^  care  daily  increased,  and  the 
weiijht  of  thinofs  relatinsr  both  to  the  outward  and  inward 

O  CO 

condition  of  poor  Friends,  came  upon  me ;  the  more  I 
came  to  feel  and  perceive  the  love  of  God  and  his  good- 
ness to  me,  the  more  was  I  humbled  and  bowed  in  my 
mind  to  serve  Him,  and  to  serve  the  least  of  his  people 
among  whom  I  walked ;  and,  as  the  word  of  wisdom  be- 
gan to  spring  in  me,  and  the  word  of  God  grew,  so  I 
l)ecame  a  counsellor  of  those  who  had  been  tempted  in 
like  manner  as  I  had  been." 

When  one  christian,  in  this  spirit,  reproves  another  for 
his  fault,  and  thus  endeavors  to  restore  him  to  the  fold  of 
Christ,  this  is  no  improper  interference  with  individual 
liberty,  —  it  is  but  one  legitimate  fruit  of  the  law  of  love  ; 
and  not  only  is  the  duty  incumbent  "to  warn  them  that 
are  unruly,"  Ijut  also  to  "comfort  the  feeble  minded,"  to 
"support  the  weak,"  and  "  bo  patient  toward  all  men." 

"Now  concerning  gospel  order,"  said  George  Fox, 
"though  the  doctrine  of  Jesus  Christ  requireth  his  people 
to  admonish  a  brother  or  sister  twice  before  they  tell  the 
church,  yet  that  limitcth  none,  so  that  they  shall  use  no 
longer  forbearance.     Let  such  as  behold  their  brother  or 


108  CHRISTIAN   DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

sister  in  a  transgrcssiou,  go  not  in  a  rough,  light,  or  up- 
braiding spirit,  to  reprove  such,  but  in  the  power  of  the 
Lord  and  spirit  of  the  Lamb,  and  in  the  wisdom  and  love 
of  the  Truth,  which  sutlers  thereby,  to  admonish  such  an 
olTeuder.  So  may  the  soul  of  such  a  brother  or  sister  be 
seasonably  and  effectually  reached  and  overcome,  and 
have  cause  to  bless  the  name  of  the  Lord  on  their  behalf, 
and  so  a  blessing  may  be  rewarded  into  the  bosom  of  that 
foithful  and  tender  brother  or  sister,  who  so  admonished 
them." 

As  you  are  concerned  for  the  maintenance  of  good  order 
in  the  church,  keep  your  own  hands  clean  and  garments 
unspotted,  that  you  may  rebuke,  if  need  be,  with  author- 
ity ;  and,  being  clothed  with  meekness  and  gentleness, 
steadily  persevere  in  the  discharge  of  the  duty  committed 
to  you.  Thus,  the  ignorant  may  be  informed,  the  weak 
strengthened,  the  tender  encouraged,  the  scattered  sought 
out,  and  the  unwary  cautioned.  May  you  exercise  a  ten- 
der care  over  our  younger  members,  bearing  in  mind  the 
exposed  situation  of  many  of  these  at  this  critical  period 
of  life.  Cultivate  an  acquaintance  with  them  ;  call  upon 
them  at  their  places  of  abode  ;  and  manifest,  by  the  gen- 
eral tenor  of  your  conduct  towards  them,  a  kind  interest 
in  their  welfare,  and  a  solicitude  that  they  may  be  estab- 
lished upon  the  right  foundation, —  the  faith  and  hope  of 
the  gospel.  Encourage  them  to  a  diligent  perusal  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  with  desires  that  these  may  be  blessed 
to  their  spiritual  instruction. 

This  care  and  interest,  one  for  another,  is  highly  condu- 
cive to  the  welfare  and  growth  of  the  church.  Those  who 
may  be  called  to  the  ministry  of  the  word  should  be  dili- 
gent in  their  gifts,  and  faithful  to  their  calling ;  instant  in 
season,  out  of  season,  exhorting  with  all  loug-suifering 
and  doctrine.  Let  the  elders  consider  the  importance  of 
their  position,  that  upon  them,  in  great  measure,  rests  the 


Chap.  III.]  OVKRSIGHT.  109 

burden  of  the  church,  and  that,  although  no  unimportant 
part  of  their  duty  is  to  encourage  ministers,  and  particu- 
larly to  help  forward  those  who  are  young  in  the  work, 
yet  their  various  services  to  the  whole  body  are  scarcely 
less  than  are  included  in  the  comprehensive  charge  of  the 
Apostle  to  the  assembled  officers  of  the  Ephesian  church : 
"  Take  heed  to  yourselves,  and  to  all  the  flock,  over  the 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  overseers,  to  feed 
the  church  of  God,  which  he  hath  purchased  with  his  own 
blood."     And,  may  you  that  are  in  the  station  of  overseers 
remember  that,  w^iile  your  various  duties  may  not  be  dis- 
tinctly defined,  yet  the  right  performance  of  these  duties 
is  essential  to  tke  church,  and  may  be  a  means  of  your 
own  advancement  in  the  spiritual  life.     May  the  sick  and 
afllicted  claim  your  assiduous  care,  and  may  those  who 
are  struggling  with  the  perplexities   or  pecuniary  losses 
incident  to  trade  and  business  receive  your  sympathy  and 
friendly  advice.     Should  you  have  reason  to  fear  that  any 
of  this  class  are  going  behind  hand  in  their  business  con- 
cerns,   be  prompt  to  render,  in  christian  freedom,  and 
without  intrusion,  such  counsel  or  help  as  may  tend  to 
raise  them  out  of  their  present  difiiculty ;  or  otherwise,  to 
place  them  in  such  open  relation  to  their  creditors  as  shall 
lead  to  an  amicable   settlement  of  their  aflairs,  and  thus 
avert  much  of  the  suffering,  and  even  the  scandal,  often 
attendant  upon  the   unaided  efforts  of  these  to  relieve 
themselves  from  pecuniary  embarrassment.     May  you  be 
careful  to  encourage  in  all,  and  especially  in  the  young, 
the   diligent  attendance   of   our  religious  meetings ;  and 
particularly,  may  you  endeavor  to  guard  faithfully  against 
a  breach  of  that  fellowship  and  unity  between  the  differ- 
ent members  of  the  body,  so  becoming  the  christian,  and 
80  essential   to  a  religious  growth.     And  may  all,  what- 
ever may  be  your  station  in  the  church,  strive  to  be  fel- 
low-helpers one  of  another,  seeking  to  provoke   unto  love 


110  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

and  to  good  works,  and  "as  every  man  hath  received  the 
gift,  even  so  minister  the  same  one  to  another,  as  good 
stewards  of  the  manifold  grace  of  God." 


MINISTERS   AND   ELDERS. 

We  are  fnlly  persuaded  that  the  ministry  of  the  gospel 
is  not  received  of  man,  but  by  the  revelation  of  Jesus 
Christ,  according  to  that  apostolical  direction,  "  As  every 
man  hath  received  the  gift,  even  so  minister  the  same  one 
to  another  ;"  "if  any  man  speak  let  him  speak  as  the  oracles 
of  God  ;  if  any  man  minister,  let  him  do  it  as  of  the  ability 
Avhich  (irod  giveth,  that  God  in  all  things  may  be  glorified." 
And  as  this  ministry  is  of  divine  origin,  the  motives  and 
inducements  thereunto  should  be  disinterested,  and  no 
way  mercenary,  but  concurrent  with  the  precept  Christ 
gave  to  his  apostles  and  immediate  followers  :  "  Freely  ye 
have  received,  freely  give." 

As  to  the  elders  among  you,  and  those  whom  God, 
having  indued  with  knowledge  and  experience  of  the 
cleansing  operation  of  his  spirit,  hath  concerned  to  min- 
ister unto  others,  let  them  adorn  the  doctrine  of  the  gos- 
pel, by  showing,  out  of  a  good  conversation,  their  works, 
with  meekness  of  wisdom.  Such  as  these,  being  clothed 
with  humility,  and  being  exemplary  to  the  flock  whom 
they  feed  not  by  constraint,  but  willingly  — "  not  for  filthy 
lucre,  but  of  a  ready  mind — "  are  worthy  of  double  honor, 
and  to  be  highly  esteemed  in  the  church  of  Christ. 

If  any  one  who  has  been  a  public  minister,  or  elder,  shall 
be  guilty  of  such  practices  as  may  justly  deserve  public 
censure,  and  shall  be  disowned,  and  afterwards,  upon 
tokens  of  repentance,  be  again  admitted  into  membership, 
such  readmission  shall  not  be  interpreted  so  as  to  give 


Chap,  ni.]  MEETINGS  OF  MINISTEES  AND  ELDERS.    ,  111 

him  or  her  the  liberty  of  appearing  as  a  public  minister, 
or  of  exercising  the  office  of  an  elder,  until  the  monthly 
meeting  they  belong  to  shall  judge  the  scandal,  given  by 
such  person,  to  be  so  far  removed,  that  such  public  ministry, 
or  exercising  the  office  of  an  elder,  may  not  administer 
occasion  of  reproach,  either  from  Friends  or  others.  And 
should  any  show  themselves  forward  in  so  appearing,  the 
meeting  to  which  they  belong  is  desired  to  give  them  such 
advice  as  it  shall  deem  suitable  to  the  circumstances. 

Where  it  shall  appear,  upon  due  inspection  made,  that 
any  minister  or  elder  neglects,  or  omits,  the  due  attendance 
of  meetings  for  worship  or  discipline,  through  sloth,  in- 
dolence, love  of  the  world,  lukewarmness  in  religion,  or 
other  cause,  the  monthly  meeting  should  take  care  that 
all  such  be  timely  visited  in  love,  and  acquainted  with  the 
desive  of  Friends  in  that  case,  and  admonished  to  faithful- 
ness therein.  And  if,  notwithstanding  the  due  christian 
labor  and  admonition,  he  shall  continue  in  the  said  neglect 
or  omission,  if  a  minister,  his  public  testimony  should  be 
denied ;  and  if  an  elder,  he  should  be  dismissed  from  that 
station. 


MEETINGS    OF   MINISTERS   AND   ELDERS. 

As  much  depends  on  the  conduct  and  example  of  min- 
isters and  elders,  meetings  have  been  established  amongst 
them  for  the  purpose  of  examining  whether  they  all  main- 
tain an  exemplary  life,  answerable  to  their  station.  The 
meetings  of  ministers  and  elders  are  constituted  and  held 
in  the  following  manner  :  a  clerk  for  each  is  to  be  appointed 
anmially,  and  records  of  the  proceedings  should  be  care- 
fully preserved. 

Preparative  MeetiiKjs.  —  The  ministers  and  elders  of 
each  monthly  meeting  compose  a  preparative  meeting  of 


112        .  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

ministers  and  elders,  (unless  the  quarterly  meeting  for 
discipline,  from  some  peculiar  circumstances,  should  judge 
it  most  advisable  that  it  be  constituted  of  the  ministers 
and  elders  of  more  than  one  monthly  meeting,)  and  meet 
once  in  three  mouths,  at  some  time  previous  to  the 
monthly  meeting,  which  immediately  precedes  the  quar- 
terly meeting ;  in  which  meetings,  after  some  time  spent 
in  solid  retirement,  the  queries  addressed  to  ministers  and 
elders  are  to  be  read,  considered,  and  then  and  there  an- 
swered in  writing,  and  such  answers  forwarded  to  the 
quarterly  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders.  Opportunity 
may  here  also  be  given  for  tender  advice  and  assistance, 
as  the  nature  of  any  case  may  require  ;  and  representa- 
tives, taken  from  the  members  in  either  station,  should  be 
appointed  to  attend  the  quarterly  meeting  of  ministers 
and  elders.  • 

Quarterly  Meetings.  —  A  quarterly  meeting  of  ministers 
and  elders,  composed  of  the  representatives  from  the  pre- 
parative meetings,  and  of  the  other  approved  ministers 
and  ciders  of  the  quarterly  meeting,  shall  be  held  on  the 
day  preceding  each  quarterly  meeting  for  discipline,  at 
which  meeting  the  queries  are  to  be  read,  and  the  answers 
thereto  from  its  subordinate  meetings ;  to  which  latter 
meetings  such  advice  should  be  extended  as  circumstances 
ma}'  require.  A  list  of  the  names  of  all  the  ministers 
and  elders  of  the  several  monthly  meetings  shall  be  kept 
by  this  meeting,  and  annually  revised. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders  next 
preceding  the  Yearly  Meeting,  general  answers  are  to  be 
drawn  up,  to  be  sent  by  at  least  two  representatives  to 
the  yearly  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders,  which  j^early 
meeting  is  also  to  be  furnished  with  the  names  of  these 
representatives,  together  with  a  report  in  wa-iting  of  the 
regular  holding  of  the  quarterly  meeting  of  ministers  and 
elders  during  the  year. 


Chap.  III.]      MEETINGS  or  MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS.  113 

Yearly  JSleetiag. — A  Yearly  meeting  of  ministers  and 
elders  shall  be  held  at  Newport,  on  the  day  preceding  the 
first  sitting  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  at  9  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  "svhich  meeting  shall  consist  of  the  representa- 
tives from  the  quarterly  meetings  of  ministers  and  elders, 
and  such  recorded  ministers  and  appointed  elders  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting  as  may  be  in  Xewport  at  the  time.  This 
meeting  may  be  continued  from  time  to  time,  by  adjourn- 
ments, provided  such  adjournments  do  not  interfere  with 
the  sittings  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  that  such  meeting 
do  not  in  any  wise  take  upon  it,  or  interfere  with,  any 
part  of  the  discipline  of  the  church,  belonging  either  to 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  or  to  any  subordinate  meeting.  The 
meeting  shall  receive  and  read  the  answers  to  the  queries 
from  the  quarterly  meetings  of  ministers  and  elders,  by 
w^hich  an  opportunity  w^ill  be  given  to  impart  such  advice 
as  shall  be  necessary ;  and,  after  having  informed  itself, 
by  means  of  the  answers  received,  of  the  state  of  the 
ministers  and  elders  in  the  several  quarterly  meetings,  it 
shall  lay  annually  before  the  Yearly  Meeting  a  summary, 
yet  clear,  account  thereof. 


QUERIES    OF    THE    YEARLY    MEETING    OF    MINISTERS    AND 

ELDERS. 

The  three  introductory  Queries  are  to  he  read  and  weir/ht- 
ily  considered,  hut  not  answered. 

The  other  four  are  to  he  ansioered  in  ivritinfj  to  the 
quarterly  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders,  and,  in  the 
spring,  to  the  yearly  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders. 

Arc  ministers  and  ciders  engaged  to  watch  unto  prayer, 
that  they  may  themselves  bo  preserved  in  humble  depen- 
dence upon  Christ,  and  in  an  earnest  religious  exercise  for 
o 


114  CHRISTIAN    DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

the  conversion  of  shiners,  and  for  the  edifying  of  the  body 
in  the  faith  and  love  of  the  gospel  ? 

Are  ministers  and  elders  concerned  foithfnlly  to  occupy 
the  spiritual  gifts  entrusted  to  them,  to  the  honor  of  God? 

Are  ministers,  in  the  exercise  of  their  gifts,  careful  to 
wait  for  Divine  ability,  and  are  they  preserved  thereby 
from  being  burdensome? 

1.  Are  ministers  and  elders  diligent  in  attending  their 
meetings  for  worship  and  discipline,  and  careful  to  pro- 
mote the  attendance  of  their  families  ? 

2.  Are  the  lives  and  conversation  of  ministers  and 
elders  clean  and  blameless  amongst  men  ?  Are  they  in 
unity  one  with  another,  and  with  the  meeting  to  which 
they  belong,  harmoniously  laboring  together  for  the  honor 
of  truth? 

3.  Are  they  careful  to  rule  their  own  houses  well ; 
and  do  they  endeavor,  by  example  and  precept,  to  train 
up  their  families  in  a  religious  life  and  conversation,  con- 
sistent with  our  Christian  profession  ? 

4.  Are  they  preserved  in  love  ;  administering  encour- 
agement or  counsel,  as  occasion  may  require,  in  reference 
to  ministry  or  conduct  ? 

I^f:^  The  following  advice  should  be  read  after  the  read- 
ing and  consideration  of  the  queries  and  answers : 

It  is  earnestly  and  affectionately  recommended,  that 
ministers  and  elders  watch  over  one  another  for  good,  that 
they  help  those  that  are  young  in  the  ministry,  discourag- 
ing forward  spirits,  that  run  into  words  without  life  and 
power,  advising  against  affectation  of  tones  and  gestures, 
and  every  thing  that  would  hurt  their  service  ;  yet  encour- 
aging the  humble,  careful  traveler,  speaking  a  word  in 
season  to  them  that  are  weary.  And  let  all  dwell  in  that 
which  gives  ability  to  labor  successfully  in  the  church  of 


Chap.  III.]  REPRESENTATIVE   MEETING.  115 

Christ,  adorning  the  doctrine  they  deliver  to  others,  being 
examples  to  the  believers,  in  word,  in  conversation,  in 
charit}'-,  in  spirit,  in  faith  and  in  purity. 


REPRESENTATIVE   MEETING. 

The  Yearly  Meeting,  in  view  of  the  necessity  of  having 
a  representation  during  the  time  intervening  between  its 
yearly  sessions,  appoints  annually  a  committee,  to  act  as  a 
representative  meeting,  which  shall  consist  of  not  less  than 
twenty-five  members.  It  is  entrusted  with  a  general  care 
of  whatever  may  arise  during  the  intervals  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  affecting  our  religious  society,  and  requiring  im- 
mediate attention. 

The  appointment  of  the  representative  meeting  shall 
be  made  by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  on  nomination  thereto, 
by  the  representatives  of  the  men's  and  women's  meet- 
ings, the  confirmation  thereof  to  be  by  the  concurrent 
action  of  both  bodies ;  and,  when  any  portion  of  the 
nomination,  so  made,  is  not  confirmed,  the  subject  shall 
be  recommitted  to  the  representatives,  to  give  an  oppor- 
tunity for  the  substitution  of  other  names  in  the  place  of 
those  omitted. 

Considering  the  nature  and  importance  of  the  afi'airs 
which  may  claim  the  attention  of  the  representative  meet- 
ing, it  is  necessary  that  it  be  composed  of  such  as  arc  of 
clear  discernment  and  clean  hands,  mIio  adorn  the  doctrine 
they  profess,  in  their  lives  and  conversation. 

Members  of  this  meeting  are  desired  to  attend  its  ses- 
sions diligently,  or,  as  often  as  circumstances  will  admit ; 
and,  if  any  member  is  prevented  from  attending  any  ses- 
sion, he  should  forward  to  the  same  his  excuse  therefor. 

The  duties  of  the   representative  meeting  are,  to  cor- 


116  CHRISTIAN  DiscirLiNE.  [Chap.  III. 

respond  with  similar  committees  of  other  Yearly  Meetings  ; 
to  examine  testimonies  concerning  Friends  deceased,  and 
similar  papers  issued  by  our  subordinate  meetings ;  also 
manuscripts  of  a  doctrinal  character  submitted  by  indi- 
vidual members  or  others ;  and,  in  general,  to  represent 
the  Yearly  Meeting  in  all  cases  where  the  reputation  and 
interest  of  our  religious  society  are  concerned :  but,  in 
the  exercise  of  these  functions,  it  shall  not  meddle  with 
matters  of  faith  and  discipline,  not  already  determined  by 
the  Yearly  Meeting.  It  shall,  also  take  cognizance  of  all 
grievances  arising  amongst  us,  wherein  any  Friend  may 
bo  affected  in  person  or  property,  in  regard  to  our  chris- 
tian testimony,  to  advise,  counsel,  and  assist,  as  best  wis- 
dom may  direct ;  and  any  aggrieved  Friend  or  Friends 
may  apply  to  it  for  that  purpose. 

This  meeting  should  take  care  to  provide  suitable  books 
for  distribution,  in  such  manner  and  in  such  places  as  it 
may  judge  proper,  and  particularly  in  the  families  of  the 
poor,  and  such  among  us  as  are  destitute  of  this  means  of 
instruction. 

The  meeting  is  authorized  to  draw  upon  the  treasurer 
of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  in  its  recess,  for  such  sums  of 
money  as  occasion  may  from  time  to  time  require,  being 
accountable  for  the  same,  and  keeping  records  of  all  its 
proceedings  ;  which  records  shall  annually  be  laid  before 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  or  such  committee  as  it  may  appoint 
to  inspect  the  same. 

Eegular  meetings  of  the  representative  meeting  shall 
be  held  at  such  times  as  may  be  determined  upon  at  the 
first  session  after  its  annual  appointment ;  and  special 
meetings  may  be  held  on  any  emergency,  at  the  written 
request  of  any  five  of  the  members  thereof,  reasonable 
notice  being  given  to  the  members,  as  fully  as  is  practi- 
cable, especially  in  matters  of  importance.  At  least  ten 
members  are  necessary  to  constitute  a  meeting  for  action. 


Chap.  III.]  CARE  OF  THE  POOR.  117 

Should  less  than  fifteen  be  present,  it  is  required  tliat  they 
should  be  unanimous  on  all  measures  determined. 


CARE  OF  THE  POOR. 

We  have  ever  deemed  it  a  commendable  and  christian 
practice,  of  good  report,  to  care  for  and  assist  our  o^vn 
poor,  to  relieve  their  wants,  and  to  comfort  the  atHicted 
among  us,  thereby  improving  the  opportunity  of  doing 
good,  especially  to  the  household  of  faith.  In  watching 
over  one  another  for  good,  as  christian  brethren  and  as 
Friends,  seeking  to  be  helpers  one  of  another,  in  our 
moral  and  spiritual  welfare,  there  should  also  be  a  kind 
and  watchful  care  over  those  who  need  assistance,  or  may 
appear  likely  to  need  it,  in  their  outward  affairs,  that  their 
necessities  may  be  relieved,  either  by  counsel  or  pecuniary 
aid,  as  the  case  may  require,  and  thej''  be  assisted  in  such 
business  as  they  are  capable  of ;  and,  that  their  children 
may  so  partake  of  learning,  as  to  fit  them  for  the  active 
duties  of  life.  It  ought  to  be  considered,  that  the  poor, 
both  parents  and  children,  are  of  our  family,  and  ought 
not  to  be  turned  ofi"  to  any  others,  for  their  support  or 
education ;  and  the  rich  should  remember,  it  is  more 
blessed  to  give  than  to  receive,  and  that  "he  who  hath 
pity  on  the  poor,  Icndeth  to  the  Lord,  and  that  which  he 
hath  given  will  he  pay  him  again." 

Whilst  enjoining  the  duty  of  charity  on  those  who  arc 
able  to  extend  it,  wo  would  encourage  those  of  limited 
means,  to  use  their  strenuous  endeavors,  by  frugality  and 
industry,  to  maintain  themselves  and  their  families,  and, 
by  small  savings  in  time  of  health,  to  provide  for  sickness 
and  old  age.  We  would  also  oljscrve,  that  the  provision 
made  by  this  society  for  the  relief  of  the  necessitous, 
was  never  designed  to  narrow  the  duty  of  cliarity  between 


118  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

individual  Fricuds,  nor  to  lessen  the  claims  which  near 
relatives,  in  times  of  necessity,  have  upon  each  other. 
In  an  especial  manner,  we  esteem  it  the  privilege  and  the 
duty  of  the  children  of  persons  who  are  destitute,  to  min- 
ister to  the  wants  and  comfort  of  their  parents,  with  an 
affectionate  cheerfulness,  and  not  to  throw  the  care  of  them 
on  others.  Those  who  require  pecuniary  aid  ought  to  ac- 
cept the  deliberate  advice  of  their  friends,  as  to  their  out- 
ward affairs,  and  to  manifest  a  becoming  disposition  to 
conform  therein  to  their  judgment.  And  where  there  is 
an  obstinate  refusal  to  conform  to  such  advice,  committees 
should  be  governed  in  the  distribution  of  the  intended 
liberality  by  a  prudent  discretion. 

In  order  that  this  concern  may  be  carried  into  effect,  a 
suitable  number  of  men  and  women  Friends,  in  each  pre- 
parative or  local  meeting,  should  be  annually  apijointed 
by  each  monthly  meeting,  as  overseers  of  the  poor,  with 
liberty  to  draw  on  the  monthly  meeting's  treasurer  for 
such  funds  as  may  be  needed.  (See  article  on  montlily 
meetings.)  We  desire  such  overseers  to  proceed  with 
great  tenderness  towards  the  feelings  of  those  who  are  the 
objects  of  their  appointment,  carefully  avoiding  any  unnec- 
essary disclosure  of  their  names,  or  of  the  assistance 
rendered  them. 


Chap.  III.]  119 

REGULATIONS    WITH   REGARD    TO   MARRIAGE. 

Persons  iu  membership  with  us,  before  they  make  any 
procedure  with  a  view  to  marriage,  should  seek  for  right 
direction  iu  this  important  concern,  and  early  acquaint 
their  parents  or  guardians  with  their  intentions  ;  and,  hav- 
ing with  due  deliberation,  and  free  and  mutual  consent, 
absolutely  contracted  upon  the  account  of  marriage,  they 
should  not  be  allowed,  in  any  unfaithfulness  or  injustice 
one  to  another,  to  violate  any  such  engagement. 

For  the  accomplishment  of  marriage,  the  parties  should 
inform  Ijoth  the  men's'  and  women's  monthly  meeting  to 
which  the  woman  belongs,  of  their  intentions,  (through 
the  preparative  meeting  when  convenient,)  that,  "  With 
Divine  permission  and  Friends'  approbation,  they  intend 
maiTiage  with  each  other."  This  may  be  done  either  by 
a  written  communication  signed  by  both  parties,  or  by 
verbal  declaration.  Whereupon  two  Friends  in  each 
meeting,  (if  both  the  parties  belong  to  the  same  meeting,) 
should  be  appointed,  hy  minute,  to  make  the  necessary 
inquiries  respecting  the  clearness  to  proceed  in  marriage, 
of  the  party  or  parties  who  shall  be  members  of  said 
monthly  meeting.  If  the  parties  have  parents  or  guar- 
dians present,  their  consent  should  be  expressed ;  or  if 
the  man  is  a  member  of  another  monthly  meeting,  the 
consent  in  writing  of  his  parents  or  guardians,  if  he  have 
any,  with  a  certificate  from  his  monthly  meeting,  of  his 
clearness  to  proceed  therein,  should  be  produced,  either 
then  or  at  the  next  meeting.  If  the  woman  be  a  widow, 
having  children,  two  or  more  Friends  should  be  appointed, 
to  sec  tliat  the  rights  of  her  children  are  legally  secured. 
At  the  next  meeting,  if  the  committee  report  that  careful 
inquiry  has  been  made,  and  that  the  parties  have  consent 
of  parents,  where  it  has  not  been  l)cforc  manifested,  and 
they   appear    clear   to    proceed   in    marriage   with   each 


120  CHRISTIAN  DiscirLiNE.  [Chap.  III. 

other,  the  moetiug  shall  leave  them  at  liberty  to  accom- 
plish their  marriage  according  to  our  rules.  It  shall  ap- 
point two  Friends  of  each  sex,  to  attend,  and  see  that  good 
order  is  observed,  and  that  a  certificate  be  prepared,  which, 
after  being  signed  by  the  parties  at  their  marriage,  shall 
be  audibly  read ;  and  that  a  sufficient  number  of  witnesses 
be  thereto  subscribed  ;  and  the  said  committee  shall  make 
report  to  the  next  monthly  meeting,  and  take  care  that 
the  marriage  certificate  be  duly  recorded. 

If  in  any  case,  a  monthly  meeting  be  satisfied,  on  report 
of  the  committee  to  that  effect,  or  otherwise,  that  the  con- 
sent of  parents  is  unreasonably  withheld,  such  meeting  is 
at  liberty,  in  its  discretion,  to  permit  proceedings  in  mar- 
ria2:e  without  such  consent. 

It  is  advised  that  our  marriages  be  solemnized  at  the 
usual  week  day  meetings  to  which  the  woman  belongs,  or 
at  the  close  of  a  monthly  meeting,  in  a  public  meeting  of 
men  and  women  Friends,  or  at  such  other  place  and  time 
as  may  be  requested  by  the  parties,  or  their  friends  on 
their  behalf,  and  approved  of  by  the  monthly  meeting. 
The  parties  should  be  present  at  the  monthly  meeting 
when  permission  is  granted  them  to  accomplish  their  mar- 
riao"e,  if  it  be  their  intention  to  do  so  at  the  close  of  said 
meeting. 

Monthly  meetings  are  at  liberty,  when  they  think  any 
peculiarity  of  circumstances  of  either  of  the  parties  pro- 
posing marriage,  warrant  a  deviation  from  our  general 
practice,  to  shorten  the  time  of  receiving  their  answer,  by 
adjourning  a  monthly  meeting ;  having  special  care  that 
the  time  for  inspecting  the  clearness  of  the  parties,  and 
receiving  the  meeting's  answer,  be  not  less  than  two 
weeks  from  the  time  of  making  their  proposals. 

Towards  the  conclusion  of  the  meeting  at  which  the  mar- 
riage is  to  be  solemnized,  the  parties  should  stand  up, 
and,  taking  each  other  by  the  hand,  should  declare  audibly 


Chap.  III.]       FORM  OF  A  MARRIAGE  CERTIFICATE.  121 

and  iu  a  solemn  manner,  to  the  following  efiect,  the  man 
first,  viz.  : 

"In  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  before  this  assembly, 
I  take  thee,  D.  E.,  to  be  my  wife;  promising,  with  Di- 
vine assistance,  to  be  unto  thee  a  loving  and  faithful  hus- 
band, until  death  shall  separate  us." 

And  then  the  woman  iu  like  manner :  "  In  the  presence 
of  the  Lord,  and  before  this  assembly,  I  take  thee,  A. 
B.,  to  be  my  husband,  promising,  with  Divine  assistance, 
to  be  unto  thee  a  loving  and  faithful  wife,  luitil  death 
shall  separate  us. 


FQRM    OF   A   MARRIAGE    CERTIFICATE, 

(AS  XEAK  AS  CIRCUMSTANCES  WILL  ADMIT.) 

Whereas,  A.  B.  of ,  son  of  D.  and  E.  B.  of , 

in  the  county  of ,  and  state  of ,  and  S.  T.  daugh- 
ter of  M.  and  M.  T.  of ,  in  the  county  of ,  and 

state  of ,  having  declared  their  intentions  of  taking 

each  other  in  marriage,  to monthly  meeting  of  the 

Society   of  Friends,    held  mo. A.    D.    18 — , 

according  to  the  good  order  used  among  them ;  which, 
being  considered  by  the  said  meeting,  and  no  obstruction 
appearing,  they  Avere  liberated  to  accomplish  their  mar- 
riage. 

Now,  these  are  to  certify  to  all  whom  it  may  concern, 
that,  for  the  full   accomplishing  of  their  said  intentions, 

this day  of  the month,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 

one  thousand  eight  hundred  and ,  they,  the  said  A. 

B.  and  S.  T.  ap[)oarcd  at  a  religious  meeting  of  the  afore- 
said society  in ;  and   he  the   said  A.  B.  taking  the 

said  S.  T.  by  the  hand,  did  openly  declare  to  the  follow- 
ing effect:  "In  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  before  this 
assembly,  I  take  thee,  S,  T.,  to  be  my  wife,  promising, 

V 


122  CHRISTIAN    DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

with  Divine  assistance,  to  be  unto  thee  a  loving  and  faith- 
ful husband,  until  death  shall  separate  us." 

And  the  said  S.  T.  did  then  and  there  declare  in  like 
manner:  "In  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  before  this 
assembly,  I  take  thee,  A.  B.,  to  be  my  husband,  promising, 
with  Divine  assistance,  to  be  unto  thee  a  loving  and  faith- 
ful wife,  until  death  shall  separate  us." 

And  the  said  A.  B.  and  S.  T.,  as  a  further  confirma- 
tion thereof,  have  hereunto  set  their  hands,  she,  after  the 
custom  of  marriage,  adopting  the  name  of  her  husband. 

A.  B. 
S.  B. 

And  we,  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed, 
being  .present  at  the  solemnization  of  tlieir  said 
marriage,  have  set  our  hands  as  witnesses  there- 
unto, the  day  and  year  above  written. 

No  monthly  meeting  shall  permit  any  marriages  to  be 
proposed  in  the  said  meeting,  sooner  than  one  year  after 
the  decease  of  a  former  husband  or  wife ;  and  it  is  most 
advisable  that  no  such  proposals  be  made  between  the 
parties  within  that  time. 

No  monthly  meeting  shall  receive  proposals  of  marriage 
between  first  cousins,  and  we  earnestly  desire  all  Friends, 
whenever  they  know  or  hear  of  any  first  cousins  design- 
ing or  intending  to  intermarry,  that  they  immediately 
advise  them  against  it.  And,  if  any,  notwithstanding, 
shall  marry  contrary  to  this  rule,  being  previously  cau- 
tioned and  advised  against  it,  the  monthly  meeting  where 
such  belong  shall  give  forth  a  testimony  against  them. 

When  any,  who  are  in  the  habit  of  attending  our  meet- 
ings though  not  in  membership  with  us  desire  the  ac- 
complishment of  their  marriage  according  to  our  rules, 
the  same  procedure  may  be  allowed,  as  Avhen  both  are 
members,  the  monthly  meeting  noting  the  fact  of  non- 
membership  on  its  records. 


Chap.  III.]  RECORDS.  123 

RECORDS. 

flatter s  to  he  Recorded. 

1.  All  meetings  for  discipline  shall  keep  foir  records 
of  the  usual  minutes  of  their  proceedings,  in  a  suitable 
book,  provided  for  the  purpose. 

2.  The  Yearly  Meeting  should  record  all  advices,  epis- 
tles, and  conclusions,  issued  to  its  subordinate  meetings, 
and  to  meetings  al)road,  with  which  it  corresponds  ;  also, 
a  summary  of  the  answers  received  annually  from  the 
quarterly  meetings. 

3.  The  quarterly  meetings,  shall  keep  a  record  of  ad- 
vices, epistles,  and  conclusions,  received  from  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  and  of  all  such  papers,  issued  by  them  to  their 
monthly  meetings ;  also,  a  summary  account  of  the  state 
of  their  monthly  meetings,  compiled  from  the  answers  to 
the  queries,  once  a  year.  ^ 

4.  Monthly  meetings  shall  record  all  advices,  epistles, 
and  conclusions,  from  the  Yearly  Meeting,  or  from  the 
quarterly  meeting,  to  which  they  belong ;  also,  marriages, 
])irths,  deaths,  and  burials,  marriage  certificates,  papers 
of  acknowledgment,  certificates  of  removal  from  or  to 
the  meeting,  certificates  granted  to  Friends  travelling  in 
the  ministry,  and  correspondence  with  other  meetings'; 
also,  accounts  of  suflcrings  forwarded  to  the  representa- 
tive meeting. 

5.  Monthly  meetings  should  appoint  a  recorder,  an- 
nually, with  an  assistant  recorder  in  each  preparative 
meeting,  if  needed,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  record  all 
marriages,  births,  deaths,  and  burials,  marriage  certifi- 
cates, and  certificates  of  removal  from  or  to  the  meeting. 
The  annexed  form  of  this  record,  having  been  found  con- 
venient and  valuable,  is  commended  to  the  use  of  Friends. 
It  is  also  recommended  to  monthly  meetings,  to  transcribe 
their  past  records  into  a  book  of  similar  form. 


124  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

Monthly  mcctiugs  arc  advised  to  sec  that  all  their  rec- 
ord books,  and  other  papers,  are  carefully  collected  and 
preserved ;  those  of  earliest  date  in  the  older  meetings 
being  especially  valuable.  Much  desirable  information 
may  be  lost  for  want  of  care  in  this  respect.  Record 
books  should  be  provided  with  proper  alphabets,  that  re- 
course may  be  had  more  readily  to  any  particular,  when 
occasion  requires. 

Our  records  shall  be  open  to  any  of  our  meetings,  or 
individual  members,  and  to  such  others  as  the  respective 
monthly  meetings  shall  allow,  for  the  ascertaining  of  facts 
relative  to  marriages,  births,  or  other  rights. 

If  any  quarterly  meeting  requests  the  records  or  min- 
utes on  any  subject  of  another  quarterly  meeting,  or  any 
monthly  meeting  those  of  another  monthly  meeting,  it  is 
directed  that  copies  of  such  records  or  minutes  be  accord- 
ingly communicated  to  the  meeting  requesting  them. 


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126  ciiiiisTiAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

REMOVALS. 

When  Friends  have  a  prospect  of  removing,  they  should 
be  careful  not  to  suffer  wrong  motives  to  influence  their 
conclusions  ;  and,  before  such  steps  are  taken  as  may  close 
the  way  of  receiving  advice,  they  are  advised  to  take  the 
counsel  of  some  of  their  experienced  Friends,  on  the  pro- 
priety of  the  proposed  removal ;  particularly  when  they 
propose  removing  entirely  away  from  Friends  ;  and  elders, 
and  overseers,  and  other  concerned  Friends,  when  they 
hear  of  any  inclining  to  remove,  should  consider  it  their 
duty,  in  brotherly  love,  to  counsel  them  to  observe  the 
foregoing  advice. 

When  a  Friend  removes,  a  certificate  should  be  for- 
warded from  the  monthly  meeting  of  which  he  is  a  mem- 
ber, to  the  meeting  where  he  is  going  to  reside,  expressive 
only  of  the  right  of  membership  and  settlement  of  tem- 
poral concerns,  as  the  case  may  require — to  be  founded 
on  inquiry,  made  by  a  committee  appointed  in  each  case 
for  that  purpose ;  and  the  committee  should  not  confine 
their  inquiries  to  the  monthly  meeting  where  the  person 
resides,  if  there  be  reason  to  believe  that  his  affairs  are 
not  settled  elsewhere.  If  the  certificate  be  for  an  ac- 
knowledged minister,  or  elder,  it  should  so  state.  It 
being  obviously  important  that  such  recommendation 
should  take  place  without  unnecessary  delay,  in  order  that 
the  individual  may  come  under  the  early  notice  and  over- 
sight of  the  meeting  within  the  limits  of  which  he  removes, 
if  the  Friend  does  not  himself  apply  for  a  certificate, 
within  six  months  from  the  time  of  his  removal,  the 
monthly  meeting  should  forward  one  for  him,  without  such 
application. 

When  a  certificate  of  removal  is  received  by  the  meet- 
ing to  which  it  is  directed,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  that 
meeting  to  accept  it,  unless  there  be  some  manifest  ob- 


Chap.  III.]       DIFFERENCES  AND  ARBITRATIONS.  127 

struction  ;  and,  when  accepted,  the  Friend  recommended 
by  it  shall  be  a  member  of  that  meeting. 

Removal  certificates  should  be  forwarded  for  apprentices 
and  others  under  age,  who  are  placed  within  the  limits  of 
another  monthly  meeting. 

When  a  meeting  accepts  a  certificate,  it  should  inform 
the  meeting  which  issued  it,  of  such  acceptance. 

All  certificates  of  removal,  issued  by  our  monthly  meet- 
ings, should  be  signed  by  the  clerks  of  both  the  men's  and 
women's  meetings. 

No  Friend  shall  gain  a  settlement  by  marriage  certificate 
or  other  recommendation,  unless  a  removal  be  expressed 
therein. 


DIFFERENCES    AND    ARBITRATIONS. 

It  is  advised  that  in  all  cases  of  controversy  and  differ- 
ence, the  persons  concerned  therein  either  speedily  adjust 
the  difference  between  themselves,  or  make  choice  of  some 
faithful,  disinterested,  impartial  Friends,  to  determine  the 
same ;  and  that  all  Friends  avoid  taking  sides  in  any  per- 
sonal controversy  or  differences,  and  it  would  be  well  that 
Friends  were  at  all  times  ready  to  subtait  their  differences, 
even  with  persons  not  of  our  religious  persuasion,  to  arl)i- 
tration  rather  than  to  contend  at  law.  "  Hear  the  causes 
between  your  brethren,  and  judge  righteously  between 
every  man  and  his  brother,  and  the  stranger  that  is  with 
him." 

It  is  advised  that  persons  differing  about  outward  things 
do,  as  little  as  may  be,  troul)le  ministering  Friends  in  any 
respect,  in  relation  thereto. 


128  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

If  any  Friend  shall  refuse  speedily  to  end  a  difference 
in  which  he  is  a  party  concerned,  or  to  refer  it,  as  before 
advised,  or  shall  fail  to  appoint  au  arbitrator  within  the 
period  of  one  month  after  notice  to  do  so  has  been  given 
him,  by  the  overseers  or  other  Friends  Avho  have  advised 
him  to  refer  it,  the  case  should  be  referred  to  the  monthly 
meeting  to  which  the  Friend  belongs ;  and  if  such  meet- 
ing also  judges  that  the  case  ought  to  be  so  referred,  and 
the  Friend  shall  still  refuse  to  refer  it,  or  foil  to  appoint 
an  arbitrator  without  further  delay,  the  monthly  meeting, 
after  the  exercise  of  due  care,  aud  with  a  just  regard  to 
the  interests  of  all  parties,  shall  express  its  disunity  with 
his  conduct,  and  may  proceed  to  disown  him  as  a  member 
of  our  society. 

When  cases  of  difference  are  referred,  and  judgment 
and  award  are  made,  signed,  and  given  thereupon,  the 
parties  concerned  shall  stand  to  and  perform  the  said 
award ;  and,  if  any  one  shall  refuse  so  to  do,  the  monthly 
meeting  to  which  such  person  belongs,  upon  notice  to  it 
o-iven,  shall  admonish  him  thereto,  and  if,  after  admoni- 
tion,  he  persists  to  refuse,  the  meeting  may  then  proceed 
to  disownment. 

The  rules  for  the  settlement  of  differences  about  proper- 
ty shall  not  be  considered  as  binding  upon  trustees  and 
executors,  acting  for  others,  in  the  performance  of  their 
duties  as  such ;  nor  upon  any  Friends  acting  on  behalf  of 
persons  not  of  our  religious  society,  and  so  as  to  incur  a 
legal  responsibility  to  them. 

Matters  of  defamation  are  not  subjects  to  be  arbitrated, 
until  the  defomation  is  proved,  as  well  as  the  fact  that 
some  injury  is  sustained  by  the  defamed,  in  his  trade  or 
property ;  and,  in  that  case,  the  damage  should  be  sub- 
mitted to  arbitration. 


Chap.  III.]   '  129 

MODE    OF    CONDUCTING    ARBITRATIONS. 

Each  part}'  having  chosen  one  or  two  indifferent,  impar- 
tial, and  jndicious  Friends,  those  so  chosen  shall  agree 
upon  a  third  or  a  lifth  Friend,  (unless  the  parties  first 
agree  in  the  nomination,)  whose  name  shall  be  inserted 
with  the  others,  in  the  bonds  of  arbitration  or  other  writ- 
ten asrreement. 

The  arbitrators,  so  appointed,  or  the  majority  of  them, 
shall  fix  the  time  and  place  of  their  first  meeting,  within 
three  mouths  after  their  appointment.  At  the  hearing, 
all  the  arbitrators  shall  be  present  and  act. 

The  arbitrators  shall  not  consider  themselves  as  advo- 
cates for  the  party  by  whom  they  are  chosen,  but  men 
whose  incumbent  duty  it  is  to  judge  righteously,  fearing 
the  Lord.  They  shall  shun  all  previous  information  re- 
specting the  case,  and  especially  avoid  any  bias  in  their 
judgments,  before  they  hear  both  parties  together. 

The  parties  shall  enter  into  written  agreements,  if  either 
of  them  require  it,  to  abide  by  the  aAvard  of  the  arbitra- 
tors, or  a  majority  of  them,  to  be  made  in  a  limited  time, 
and  it  would  be  well  that  this  agreement  should  be  in  the 
form  of  a  rule  of  court,  duly  authenticated,  so  that,  if 
occasion  should  require  it,  the  award  may  be  legally  en- 
forced, without  resort  to  a  suit  at  law.  And,  in  the  event 
of  a  failure  of  either  party  to  abide  by  such  award,  monthly 
meetings  may,  in  their  discretion,  give  permission  to  en- 
force the  same,  should  a  resort  to  law  become  necessary. 

Every  meeting  of  the  arl)itrators  shall  be  duly  made 
known  to  the  parties  concerned,  until  they  have  been  fully 
heard ;  and  there  should  not  be  any  separate  or  private 
meetings,  between  some  of  the  arbitrators,  or  with  one 
party  separate  from  the  other,  on  the  l)usincss  referred  to 
them ;  and  no  representation  of  the  case  of  one  party, 
either  by  writing,  or  otherwise,  shall  ])C  admitted,  without 


130  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

its  being  fully  made  known  to  the  other,  and,  if  required, 
a  copy  shall  bo  delivered  to  the  other  party. 

The  arbitrators  shall  hear  both  parties  fully,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  each  other,  whilst  either  has  any  fresh  matter  to 
oiFer,  until  a  certain  time,  to  be  limited  by  the  arbitrators. 
Let  no  evidence  or  witness,  pertinent  to  the  case,  be  re- 
jected or  withheld. 

If  there  should  appear  to  the  arbitrators,  or  to  one  or 
more  of  them,  to  be  any  doubtful  j)oint  of  law,  the  ma- 
jority of  them  shall  agree  upon  a  case,  and  consult  coun- 
sel thereupon.  The  arbitrators  are  not  required  to  express, 
in  the  award,  the  reasons  for  their  decision.  When  the 
arbitrators  do  not  act  under  a  rule  of  a  court,  a  copy  of 
the  award  shall  be  delivered  to  each  party. 

Arbitrators  should  propose  to  the  parties  that  they  give 
an  acknowledgment  in  writing,  before  the  award  be  made, 
that  they  have  been  candidly  and  fully  heard. 


APPEALS. 

If  any  person  shall,  after  a  final  decision  in  his  case,  by 
any  monthly  meeting,  think  himself  injured  or  aggrieved 
by  its  proceedings,  he  may  appeal  to  the  quarterly  meet- 
ing, of  which  such  monthly  meeting  forms  a  part. 

Notice  of  such  intended  aj)peal  must  be  given  in  writing 
to  the  monthly  meeting,  within  three  months  after  such 
decision  is  communicated,  bj'',  or  on  behalf  of,  such  meet- 
ing, to  the  party  concerned. 

When  an  appeal  is  made  to  the  quarterl}'  meeting,  by 
any  person  dissatisfied  with  the  proceedings  of  the  month- 
ly meeting,  the  quarterly  meeting  shall  proceed  to  nom- 
inate a  committee  of  seven  disinterested  Friends,  to  hear 
the  same  and  judge  thereof.  The  appellant  should  not  be 
present,  and  no  member  of  the  monthly  meeting  appealed 


Chap.  III.]  APPEALS.  131 

> 

from,  should  be  at  liberty  to  take  any  part  in  nominating 
the  committee  of  the  quarterly  meeting,  neither  should 
any  member  of  said  monthlj-  meeting  be  appointed  thereon. 

After  the  nomination  has  taken  place,  the  appellant  shall 
be  called  in,  and  the  names  of  the  proposed  committee 
shall  be  read  in  his  presence,  and  each  party  shall  have 
the  liberty  of  objecting  to  any  part  of  the  committee,  not 
exceeding  three,  and  the  places  of  those  objected  to  shall 
be  supplied  by  other  nominations  being  made ;  which 
nominations  shall  be  final. 

The  committee  shall  then  withdraw  and  hear  the  parties 
concerned  in  the  appeal,  and  the  appellant  shall  have  the 
liberty  of  taking  with  him  one  or  two  of  his  friends,  to 
assist  him  in  the  management  of  his  case  ;  and,  when  the 
committee  have  come  to  judgment  in  regard  to  it,  they 
shall  prepare  a  report  of  their  decision,  signed  by  those 
uniting  in  judgment,  as  the  report  of  the  committee.  If 
the  report  in  the  case  of  the  disownment  of  any  person 
be  signed  by  less  than  two-thirds  of  the  committee,  the 
appellant  shall  be  restored  to  membership. 

If  any  person  shall  think  himself  aggrieved  by  the  judg- 
ment of  any  quarterly  meeting,  he  may  appeal  from  such 
judgment  to  the  Yearly  Meeting;  in  which  case,  notice  in 
writing,  of  his  intention  to  appeal,  shall  be  given  by  him, 
not  later  than  the  second  quarterly  meeting  after  that  at 
which  such  judgment  has  been  recorded. 

If  any  appellant  or  appellants  do  not  bring  his,  her,  or 
their  appeal  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  next  ensuing,  due 
notice  once  given  them,  if  such  appellants  continue  their 
appeal,  notice  shall  be  repeated,  in  writing,  to  the  meeting 
against  which  they  may  appeal,  at  least  three  months  pre- 
ceding the  Yearly  Meeting. 

"When  the  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  (juartcrly 
meeting  shall  have  been  read  in  the  Yearly  Meeting,  a 
committee  of  disinterested  Friends,  consisting  of  two  from 


132  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

each  quarterly  meeting,  except  the  meeting  appealed  from, 
shall  bo  appointed  ;  and  no  member  of  said  quarterly  meet- 
ing shall  take  part  in  the  nomination  of  said  committee. 
The  appellant  shall  then  be  called  in,  and  the  names  of 
the  committee  shall  be  read  in  his  presence  ;  and  each 
party  shall  have  the  liberty  of  objecting  to  any  member 
of  the  committee,  thus  nominated,  not  exceeding  five ; 
and  the  vacancies  thus  made  shall  be  filled  by  other  nomi- 
nations, which  shall  be  final. 

The  committee  shall  then  withdraw  and  hear  the  parties 
concerned,  and  the  appellant  shall  have  the  liberty  of  tak- 
inof  with  him  two  or  three  of  his  friends,  to  assist  him  iu 
the  management  of  his  case. 

When,  in  the  committee,  the  Avhole  or  the  greater  part 
of  them  have  agreed  in  a  judgment  of  the  case,  a  report 
in  writing  shall  be  prepared,  which  shall  be  signed,  as  the 
report  of  the  committee,  by  those  so  uniting  in  judgment. 
If  the  report  of  a  committee  in  the  case  of  a  disownment 
of  any  person,  be  signed  by  less  than  two-thirds  of  their 
number,  the  judgment  of  the  quarterly  meeting  shall  be 
reversed,  and  the  appellant  restored  to  the  rights  of  mem- 
bership. 

The  committee  shall  not  be  expected  to  assign  any  rea- 
sons for  the  judgment  expressed  in  their  report;  and  it  is 
recommended  that  such  report  be  simply  the  confirming 
or  annulling  of  the  decision  of  the  quarterly  meeting,  un- 
less it  be  annulled  for  irregular  dealing,  in  which  case  it 
should  be  so  expressed. 

When  the  personal  rights  of  a  member  under  dealing 
are  afiected  by  nonconformity  to  the  discipline,  or  by  other 
irregularity  in  the  proceedings,  the  decision  in  the  case, 
if  he  be  disowned,  shall,  on  appeal  therefrom,  be  reversed 
for  that  cause  ;  but  monthly  meetings  shall  have  the  right, 
when  their  decisions  are  reversed  on  account  of  irregu- 
lar dealing  on??/,  to  take  up  the  case  again,  and  proceed 


Chap.  III.]  TRUST   PROrERTV.  133 

according  to  the  discipline,  the  same  as  if  it  had  not  already 
been  acted  upon. 

Appeals  to  the  Yearly  Meeting,  shall  be  entered  and 
acted  upon,  on  the  second  day  of  the  week. 


TRUST    PROPERTY. 

In  the  tenure  and  management  of  property,  held  in 
trust,  or  otherwise,  monthly  meetings  should  observe  the 
following  course. 

Particular  care  should  be  taken  by  the  proper  and  re- 
spective meetings  concerned,  that  all  title  deeds  and  writ- 
ings relating  to  meeting-houses,  burial-grounds,  and  trust 
property  of  any  kind,  held  for  the  use  of  our  society,  or 
for  any  part  thereof,  as  well  as  all  deeds  and  records  rela- 
tive to  donations,  and  legacies,  be  deposited  in  a  place  of 
security ;  and  that  the  custody  of  them  be  entrusted  to  two 
or  more  of  the  overseers  of  the  monthly  meeting,  or  to 
other  Friends  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

In  the  acceptance  of  trusts,  monthly  meetings  are  de- 
sired to  be  very  careful  that  the  trust  proposed  does  not, 
in  any  way,  do  injustice  to  those  who  have  a  reasonable 
expectation  from  their  kindred  or  near  connections.* 

Executors  and  trustees,  concerned  in  wills  and  settle- 
ments, are  advised  to  take  special  care  that  they  faltlifuUy 
discharge  their  respective  trusts  according  to  the  intent  of 
the  donors  and  testators ;  that  all  charitable  gifts,  lega- 
cies, bequests,  donations,  and  settlements  of  estates,  by 
will  or  deed,  intended  or  given  for  the  use  or  benefit  of 
the  poor,  for  education,  or  for  promoting  the  cause  of 
morality  and  religion,  or  for  any  purpose  consistent  with 
our  moral  and  religious  principles,  be  not  converted  or 

♦  Sec  article  on  Temporal  Affairs. 


134:  CHRISTIAN  DiscirLiNE.  [Chap.  III. 

appropriated  to  any  other  use  than  that  directed  and  en- 
joined by  the  donors  and  testators  ;  and  should  any  un- 
forseen  occurrence  render  such  performance  difficult  or 
impracticable,  early  application  should  be  made  to  the 
Representative  meeting  for  its  advice  or  assistance. 

And,  in  order  that  it  may  appear,  uot  only  now,  but  in 
all  future  time,  that  all  gifts  and  legacies  have  been  prop- 
erly and  strictly  applied,  according  to  the  intention  and 
direction  of  the  donors  and  testators,  monthly  meetings 
or  other  meetings  concerned,  should  take  special  care,  an- 
nually, to  know  that  proper  books  are  kept  by  the  trustees 
in  which  are  recorded  as  follows,  viz. 

First, — the  will  or  clauses,  with  the  date  of  probate 
thereof;  —  or  the  title  deed,  with  the  date  of  the  record 
thereof;  —  or  any  other  writing  by  which  trust  property 
of  any  kind  is  conveyed. 

Second,  —  the  place  of  deposit  of  such  will,  deed,  or 
conveyance. 

Third,  —  the  names  of  the  trustees. 

Fourth,  — an  inventory  or  exhibit  of  the  trust  property. 

Fifth,  —  a  regular  and  systematic  account  of  all  incomes 
and  disbursements  of  said  property. 

Sixth,  — that  an  annual  exhibit  of  the  state  of  the  funds 
or  property  be  made  therefrom  for  the  donees  ;  and  a  set- 
tlement be  made  with  them,  when  competent  thereto,  by 
the  outgoing  trustees,  and  also  for  the  acceptance  of  the 
incoming  trustees. 

Seventh,  —  that  a  clear  and  correct  account  may  be  open 
at  all  times  to  the  donees,  and  such  others  as  may  have 
right  to  know  the  state  thereof;  and  also  to  the  courts,  if 
it  should  be  required. 

When  the  trust  property  belongs  to  preparative  or  par- 
ticular meetings,  the  monthly  meeting  should  exercise  the 
same  care  and  jurisdiction  as  in  all  other  cases. 


Chap.  III.]       INTOXICATING  LIQUORS,  TOBACCO,  &C.  135 

Overseers  are  uot  at  liberty  to  accept  trusts  by  will, 
donation,  or  otherwise,  until  they  are  directed  to  do  so  by 
the  monthly  meeting ;  and  they  shall  be  subject  to  the 
direction  of  the  monthly  meeting  in  the  management,  or 
disposition,  of  such  trusts  or  other  property. 

When  the  trust  property  belongs  to  any  distinct  body 
or  committee  of  Friends,  or  is  under  their  care,  as  in  the 
case  of  schools  and  other  charitable  foundations,  it  is  re- 
commended that  the  spirit  of  the  above  rules  should  be 
attended  to,  and  the  provisions  be  complied  with,  as  far  as 
circumstances  will  permit. 

Should  any  meeting  be  dissolved,  or  cease  to  retain  its 
distinct  character,  care  should  be  taken,  that  a  minute  be 
previously  entered  on  its  books  for  regularly  transferring 
the  property  under  its  direction,  to  the  superintendence  of 
the  meeting  which  may  succeed  it  in  its  authority  or  rights, 
in  all  instances,  where  the  nature  of  the  trust  admits  of 
this  being:  done. 


INTOXICATING    LIQUORS,    TOBACCO,    &C. 

All  our  members  are  cautioned  carefully  to  avoid  the 
distillation,  importation,  trading  in,  or  in  any  way  using, 
or  encouraging  the  use  in  others,  of  all  intoxicating 
liquors.  And  if  any  of  our  members  shall  be  found  in 
either  of  these  practices,  monthly  meetings  should  labor 
with  all  such,  and  endeavor  to  prevail  with  them  to  a  cor- 
dial compliance  with  the  advice  here  given  ;  and  if,  not- 
M'ithstanding,  any  continue  therein,  they  should  be  testified 
against. 

We  also  recommend  to  all  our  members  to  abstain  from 
the  use  of  tobacco,  opium,  and  other  narcotic  substances 
or  preparations. 


136  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

DEFAMATION   AND   DETRACTION. 

Friends  are  admonishecl  to  stand  upon  their .  guard 
against  all  whispering,  backbiting,  and  evil  speaking  one 
of  another,  and  to  discourage  every  practice  of  that  nature, 
observing  the  advice  of  the  apostle,  "  Let  all  bitterness, 
and  wrath,  and  anger,  and  clamor,  and  evil-speaking,  be 
put  away  from  you,  with  all  malice  :  and  be  ye  kind  one 
to  another,  tender-hearted,  forgiving  one  another,  even  as 
God  for  Christ's  sake  hath  forgiven  you,"  Eph.  iv.  31,  32  ; 
always  mindful  of  the  precept  of  our  Lord,  "  Whatsoever 
ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to 
them."     Matt.  vii.  12. 

"Charity,"  saith  the  apostle,  "hopeth  all  things."  It 
divulges  not  the  faults  of  others,  because,  in  its  unbounded 
hope,  it  desires  their  removal  without  exposure.  For  the 
mind  in  which  it  dwells,  ascribes  its  own  preservation  and 
the  cleansing  of  its  former  sins,  to  the  unbounded  love  of 
God  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  it  prays  that  all  may  partake  of 
the  same  benefit.  How  opposite  that  disposition  which 
delights  to  report  evil,  and  to  accuse  !  Shun  it,  dear 
Friends,  as  the  poison  of  asps.  The  sacred  writings  em- 
phatically denominate  the  grand  adversary  of  mankind  by 
the  name  of  the  accuser  of  the  brethren.  "  Follow," 
therefore,  "peace  with  all  men,  and  holiness,  without 
w^hich  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord  :  looking  diligently,  lest 
any  man  fail  of  the  grace  of  God ;  lest  any  root  of  bit- 
terness springing  up,  trouble  you,  and  thereby  many  be 
defiled." 

If,  however,  any  person  be  charged  with  defiimation  or 
scandal,  he  should  be  proceeded  against  in  the  manner  and 
by  the  several  steps  following  : 

First,  the  person  defamed,  or  supposed  to  be  defamed, 
himself,  or  any  other  Friend  to  whom  the  knowledge 
of  the  case  shall  come,  should  go  to  the  accused,  and  tell 


Chap,  III.]       DEFAMATION   AND  DETRACTION.  137 

him  his  fault,  or  supposed  fault,  between  them  aloue,  and, 
by  the  best  method  he  is  capable  of,  labor  to  convince 
him  of  it,  in  order  to  his  acknowledgment  of  the  truth, 
and  to  his  repentance,  if  he  appear  to  be  guilt3\  But,  if 
the  accused  shall  refuse  to  make  such  satisfaction  as  the 
nature  of  the  case  requires,  let  the  accuser  take  with  him 
one  or  two  Friends  of  the  monthly  meeting  to  which  the 
accused  belongs,  if  it  may  be  conveniently  done ;  and  if 
the  accused  think  fit,  he  may  bring  with  him  one  or  two 
Friends  also  of  the  same  monthly  meeting ;  and  they, 
together,  shall  endeavor  to  obtain  the  true  knowledge  of 
the  case,  by  hearing  witnesses,  if  there  be  occasion.  And, 
if  they  all  judge  him  guilty,  and  he  doth  not  make  satis- 
faction ;  or,  if  they  do  not  all  agree  that  he  is  innocent ;  in 
either  of  these  cases  happening,  the  person  charging  is  at 
liberty  to  bring  the  matter  before  the  monthly  meeting, 
Avhich  is  the  only  judge  now  remaining,  both  of  the  nature 
of  the  fact,  and  the  validity  of  the  proof  of  it ;  and 
Friends  in  the  wisdom  of  God,  shall  deal  with  him  for 
the  good  ends  before  mentioned  ;  and,  as  they  see  cause, 
upon  mature  and  deliberate  consideration,  shall  justify  or 
condemn  him.  And,  if  the  church  shall  see  meet  to  com- 
mit the  consideration  of  a  case  of  this  nature,  for  better 
dispatch,  to  certain  persons  of  its  own  body,  we  recom- 
mend it  as  our  tender  advice,  in  case  the  accused  shall 
object  against  one  or  more  of  the  Friends  so  chosen,  that 
the  church  have  due  regard  to  such  objection,  and  set 
aside  the  person  or  persons  so  objected  against,  and  sub- 
stitute another  or  others  in  his  or  their  room,  provided 
such  objection  doth  not  extend  to  the  major  part  of  the 
Friends  so  chosen.  And,  in  general,  we  desire  all  tender- 
ness and  regard  may  be  had  to  a  person  under  such  cir- 
cumstances ;  and  that  Friends  in  a  spirit  of  love  and 
condescension,  deal  with  such,  keeping  up  at  the  same 
time  the  autliority  of  their  meetings. 

B 


138  CHRISTIAN  DISCIPLINE.  [Chap.  III. 

If  any  Friend  hear  an  injurious  report  of  another,  he 
should  discountenance  it,  by  showing  the  reporter  the 
evil  and  injustice  of  spreading  such  reports;  and  then, 
Avithout  further  spreading  it,  if  it  appear  expedient,  he 
should  go  to  the  person  whom  it  concerns,  or  advise  him 
of  it,  that  he  may  have  opportunity  to  clear  himself  if  in- 
nocent, or  to  make  satisfaction  if  guilty ;  and  should  this 
private  labor  prove  ineffectual,  the  overseers  should  be 
informed,  that  he  may  be  treated  with,  consistently  with 
our  discipline. 

Any  one  circulating  a  report,  injurious  to  another,  and 
refusing  to  give  his  authority  for  the  same,  should  be  held 
responsible,  as  the  author  thereof,  and  be  dealt  with 
accordingly. 


INDEX. 


*t*  The  large  capitals  denote  the  headings  of  chapters,  the  smaller  caj^ilals  the 
headings  of  sections. 


Acceptance  of  Certificates  of  Remov- 
al    127 

Aborigines,  Concern  relating  to CO 

Absent    members,     Correspondence 

with S8 

Accounts,  Prompt  settlement  of 52 

Advice  in  relation  to  Marriage    40 
Advice  in  relation  to  Temporal 

Affairs 51 

Advice  in  relation  to  the  Minis- 
try      34 

Advicks,  General loo 

Advicks  to  I!E  read  in  mketings 

OF  Ministers  andEldeks 114 

Affirmations,  Caution  respecting....    (il 
Amlsemests  and  Recreations —    54 

APPEALS 130 

to  Quarterly  Meetings 130 

to  the  Yearly  Meeting 131,  133 

Proceedings  in  relation  to.. 131,  132 

Attendance  of  greetings  17 

Auditors,  Ai)pointmcnt  of Sil 

Benevolence  and  Liberality....    32 
Births,  Deaths,  &c.,  to  be  recorded..  123 

Books 41 

Pernicious 42,  40 

provided  for  distribution 11*> 

Book  of  Discipline  to  be  present  in 

Meetings  for  Discipline 74 

Burial  and  Mournino  Habits —    f>5 
Burial  Grounds •'•'i,  OG 

Care  of  the  Poor 117 

Certificates  of  Marriage,  Form  of 121 

to  Travelling  JMinisters 'M 

of  Removal 120 

on  account  of  Marriage U'.' 

Children,  ParenlH'  care  for 42,  45 


CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE 1 

PRACTICE 16 

DISCIPLINE 07 

Civil  Government oi 

Office,  Holding  of. 02,  93 

Complaints  against  members V9,  100 

Convinced  Persons  to  be  visited 24 

Correspondents S5 

Counsel   to   attendance    of   Meetings 

for  Worship 16,  19 

against   self-indulgence   and   a 

worldly  spirit 25.  26,  33 

to  exercise  of  forbearance  and 

forgiveness .32 

to  Ministers  and  Elders 34,  3S 

to  Parents  and  Guardians 42 

to  the  Young 45 

against  joint  securities  with  oth- 
ers    51 

against   too    eager    pursuit    of 

riches 52 

to  avoid  vain  sports  and  pas- 
times    55 

against  joining  secret  societies.  '.H 
to  the  poor  and  such  as  are  iu 
straitened    circumstan- 
ces  lir,  II- 

against  the  use  of  intoxicating 

liquors,  &c i:t5 

to   avoid   detraction    and    evil 

speaking 13(1 

COVETOl  SNESS 00 

Defamation  and  Detraction 130 

Proceedings  in  case  of. 130 

Delinqi:encies  — how  treated....'."),  ill 

I>efrauding  the  Revenue 91 

Aiding  in  warlike  matters !»2 

Military  Pensions 'J2 

Kjilling  lo  pay   just  Debts y.' 


140 


INDEX. 


Absenting  from  Religious  Meet- 
ings      it'* 

Printing,  publisliing,  or  circu- 
lating hurtful  works 03 

Accepting  certain  oflices 93 

Arresting  or  suing  members...    93 
Attending  improper  places,  im- 
moralities, &c 94 

Joining  Secret  Societies 94 

Refusing  to  Arbitrate  or  abide 

by  award  of  Arbitrators 128 

Making,  using,  or  trafficking  in 

intoxicating  liquors 135 

Detraction 130 

Differences  AND  Arbitrations..  127 

General  Regulations 1-8 

not  binding  on  Trustees,  &c., 

in  certain  cases I'-S 

Conducting  of  Arbitrations....  129 

Discipline,   Christian 07 

Historical  sketch  of 67 

Meetings  for  Discipline 71 

Drowsiness  in  Meetings 18 

Economy  in  Living. 33,  52 

Education 38 

Choice  of  Books 40 

Elders,    Qualifications  of 97 

Appointment  of. 97 

Displacement  of 98 

ELDERS    AND    MINISTERS 110 

Executors  and  Administrators 54 


Families,  Committees  to  visit 

Easts  and  Rejoicings 

First  Day  of  the  week,  On  the 

RIGHT  occupation  OF 

Form  of  Record  of  Births,  &c 


of  Marriage  Certificate 121 

General  Advices lOO 

Gifts  and  SER^^CES  for  the  re- 
ligious benefit  of  others 23 

Gravestones C5 

Guardians,  Designation  of. 54 

and  Parents 42 


Holy  Days,  So  called OS 

Holy  Scriptures 14 

On  Reading  the 22,  57 

Insolvency,  Advice  respecting 52 

Intoxicating  Liquors,  Tobacco, 
&c 135 


Love  AND  Unity,  Part  1 28 

Part  II 31 

Liberality*  and  Benevolence....    32 
Marriage,  Advice  in  relation  to    49 

Regulations H'-* 

deviations  from  Kules,   When 

allowed 120 

certificate.  Form  of 121,  122 

between  first  cousins  disallow- 
ed   122 

with  persons  not  in  member- 
ship   122 

Meetings  for  Worship l*v 

Meetings  for  Discipline 71 

Subordination  of. 7-i 

Members,  Lists  of  to  be  kept 88 

absent,    To   be    corresponded 

with ?8 

Proceedings  in  cases  of  Admis- 
sion, Resignation  or  Exclu- 
sion of 89 

Membership,  Who  entitled  to 87 

what  minors  may  be  admitted 

to 87 

Requests  for  admission  to.... 87,  99 

Resignation  of 88,  89 

Memorials 98 

Ministers,  Recognition  of. 94 

causing  dissatisfaction 95 

certificates  for  travelling 96 

Ministers  and  Elders no 

Displacement  of HI 

Disowned,    If  restored  do  not 
thereby  regain  their  standing  110 
Ministers  and  Elders,  Meetings 

of Ill 

Preparative  Meetings  of Ill 

Quarterly  Meetings  of. 112 

List  of  its  Members  to  be  an- 
nually revised 112 

Yearly  Meeting  of 113 

Queries  to  be  read  in 113 

Advices  to  be  read  in 114 

To  present  Summary  Account 
to  Yearly  Meeting  annually..  113 
Ministry,  Advice  relating  to  the    34 

MONTHLY'  Meetings 85 

Organization   of. 85 

How  laid  down 83 

Appointments   to  be  annually 

made 86 

Lists  of  members 88 

Admission,  disowning  or  diS'; 
missal  of  members  to  be  by 
concurrent  action 89 


INDEX. 


141 


Visiting  Committees 89 

Delinquencies 90 

Ministers,  Acknowledgment  of. 94 

Elders,  Appointment  of 97 

Months  and  Days,  Sanies  of. 64 

Mothers,  Counsel  to 4:i 

MouRxixG  Habits  and  Blkials...  65 

Names  of  Months  and  Days  of  the 
week 64 

Oaths 60,  9-2 

Overseers,  Appointment  of 85 

Duties  of 80,  109 

Overseers  of  the  Poor 86,  US 

Oversight 106,  1 10 

Offenders,  Dealing  with 90,  95 

Contributions  not  to  be  received 
from  persons  under  dealing. .    74 

Parexts  and  Guardians 42 

Payment  of  war  taxes 59,  9^ 

Pensions  for  military  services 9',' 

Pernicious  Books,  Caution  against..    42 

Poor.  Care  of  the 117 

Overseers  of 86,  118 

Preparative  Meetings 99 

Duties  of. 99 

small,  May  be  held  jointly 100 

when  dispensed  with 190 

complaints  by  Overseers 99,  100 

Private  Uetiuemext  and  Prater    20 

Quarterly  Meetings 82 

Time  of  holding 82 

Queries 103 

of  Meetings  of  Ministers    and 

Elders 113 

Requests  for  Membership 87,  89,  99 

Itesignations  of  Mcmbersliip 88,  89 

Representative  Meeting 115 

How  api)ointed 115 

Members  to  send   excuse   for 

non-attcndancc 115 

to  take  oversight  of  publications 
relating  to  our  religious  prin- 
ciples      93 


Representatives 81,   85,  86,  100 

not  to  withdraw  without  leave    81 

Records 123 

Form  of 125 

Removals 126 

Reading  THE  HoLV  Scriptures  ...    22 

Settlement   of  Accounts,  Frequent..    52 

Scriptural    Instruction    recom- 
mended   24,  41,  57 

SiMPLiciTV,  Moderation  and  Self- 
Dexial 26 

Slavery  and  Oppression 59 

Testimonies  concerning  Friends  de- 
ceased     98 

Temporal  Affairs,  Advice  relat- 
ing to 51 

Tobacco,  Opium,  &c 135 

Travelling,  Certificates  for  Ministers    96 

Trust  Property 133 

Course  in  relation  to 133 

Custody  of  Deeds,  Records,  &c.  133 
To  be  applied  to  purposes  in- 
tended by  the  Donors 133 

Trustee  Books,  how  kept 134 

Overseers  subject  to  Monthly 
Meetings    in    accepting    and 

managing  Trusts 135 

Case  of  Meetings  dissolved....  135 

Unanswered  Queries loo,  114 

Visiting  Families 89 

War 58 

Taxes  for  support  of 59,  92 

Pursuits  connected  with 92 

Procuring  Substitutes 92 

Wills,  Advice  respecting 53,  54 

Womens' Meetings, 72,  73,  74 

YEARLY'  Meeting.     Its  History....  75 

Design  and  Functions 80 

Regulations 80 

Appointment  of  Clerks 81 

Collections  for  Expenses 81 


B 


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